To inform prevention and intervention approaches, this study analysed posts from a darknet forum to examine approaches to desistance from offending among undetected child sexual offenders. The findings highlight the need for psychosocial treatment avenues for child sexual offenders.

The sexual exploitation and abuse of children is a global health crisis. This report into the nature of the crisis underscores the need for urgent action, provides solutions and shines a light on the financial networks that fuel it. Who benefits is as disturbing as it is clear: organised crime groups and mainstream technology companies.

This study seeks to understand the drivers and deterrents of child sexual offending by analysing posts on a darknet forum frequented by self-identified paedophiles. The findings highlight the role of technology in avoiding detection, and the authors call on law enforcement to disrupt technology-mediated discussion among offenders.

Using data obtained from interviews with online investigators, this study uses crime script analysis to reconstruct step-by-step how offenders operate on the darknet.

This study provides a snapshot of the availability of weapons across eight omnibus or ‘High Street’ and 12 specialist darknet or illicit cryptomarkets between July and December 2019.