Major Crackdown on Online Child Exploitation: Operation Grayskull

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently unveiled a significant achievement in the fight against online child exploitation through Operation Grayskull. This initiative successfully dismantled four notorious dark web platforms that distributed child sexual abuse material (CSAM). So far, 18 individuals involved in these networks have been convicted, resulting in over 300 years of combined federal prison sentences, with additional offenders awaiting their turn in the courtroom.

A Strong Message Against Child Exploitation

On July 23, 2025, Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti emphasized the importance of this operation. He stated, "Today’s announcement sends a clear warning to those who exploit and abuse children: you will not find safe haven, even on the dark web." This statement highlights the dedication of prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in exposing individuals who perpetrate such crimes and working towards justice for victims.

Key Figures in the Operation

Among those sentenced is Thomas Peter Katsampes, a 52-year-old resident of Eagan, Minnesota. After pleading guilty to conspiracy charges related to CSAM, Katsampes received a sentence of 250 months in federal prison. In addition, he must undergo a lifetime of supervised release and pay $23,000 in restitution. Court records reveal that Katsampes escalated his involvement from posting CSAM to moderating a site and advising others on how to distribute material without detection.

The Collective Impact of Operation Grayskull

FBI Director Kash Patel remarked on the significance of the operation, stating, “This operation represents one of the most significant strikes ever made against online child exploitation networks.” He pointed out that not only have these hazardous dark web platforms been eliminated, but also key offenders have faced justice, sending a clear message that anonymity cannot be used as a shield to harm children.

Nature of the Offenses

Operation Grayskull focused specifically on websites that shared extremely disturbing content, including images of infants and toddlers, alongside acts of violence and sadism. Many of these platforms provided users with methods to evade law enforcement, utilizing advanced technologies to shield their actions.

U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne, for the Southern District of Florida, noted, “Thomas Peter Katsampes and his co-conspirators ran some of the dark web’s most heinous networks… Operation Grayskull has shut these sites down and delivered justice.”

Key Sentences from Convicted Offenders

A number of other individuals have also faced serious repercussions thanks to this operation:

• William Michael Spearman, from Alabama, received a life sentence after pleading guilty to charges related to a child exploitation enterprise. He was also ordered to pay $123,400 in restitution.

• Keith David McIntosh, a Michigan resident, was sentenced to 55 years after pleading guilty to multiple charges involving child pornography.

• Joseph Addison Martin from Washington received 42 years in prison for his role in a child exploitation enterprise, alongside restitution of $174,500 due to the damages caused.

• Selwyn David Rosenstein, from Florida, was sentenced to 28 years in prison for conspiracy and possession of child pornography, with $80,500 in restitution mandated.

Additional Convictions and International Arrests

Operation Grayskull’s impact extended beyond the U.S. with arrests made in various countries, including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Estonia, Belgium, and South Africa. Nine additional individuals were convicted across different judicial districts, with sentences ranging from several years to life imprisonment.

Ongoing Efforts

This extensive operation was led by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and was coordinated through the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). The initiative forms part of Project Safe Childhood, a federal effort that commenced in 2006 to combat internet-based child abuse.

At present, further convictions are anticipated, and the commitment to eradicating child exploitation networks remains resolute. If you want to learn more about these ongoing efforts and the impact of such operations, visit the DOJ’s Project Safe Childhood website.

Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The information published regarding these arrests should not imply guilt or that an actual crime has occurred.