The Justice Department says it has concluded Operation Grayskull — a sweeping investigation with the FBI that shut down four of the most notorious dark web platforms used to traffic child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
So far, at least 18 offenders have been convicted across several states, with federal judges handing down decades-long sentences.
One of the harshest penalties came last week: 52-year-old Thomas Peter Katsampes of Minnesota was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison, lifetime supervision, and $23,000 in restitution. Court records show Katsampes not only shared CSAM but also rose to a moderator position, teaching others how to distribute illegal content.
“These offenders thought they could act without consequences, but they were wrong,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti.
FBI Director Kash Patel called it “one of the most significant strikes ever made against online child exploitation networks.”
But DOJ officials warn that the dismantled websites — which drew over 120,000 users worldwide — revealed an organized, structured network that operated like a criminal corporation…
