Dark Web Child Exploitation Websites Dismantled in Operation Grayskull, 18 Convicted 

• What happened: Authorities dismantled four dark web platforms dedicated to images and videos containing CSAM.
• Arrests made: The operation resulted in the arrest and conviction of 18 individuals across the U.S.
• Accusations: Besides the network’s administrator, the others were mostly charged with conspiracy to advertise and distribute CSAM.

Operation Grayskull, a monumental joint effort led by the Department of Justice and the FBI, has successfully dismantled four of the most heinous dark web child abuse sites, resulting in the conviction of 18 offenders to date, with sentences collectively exceeding 300 years.

This groundbreaking operation reinforces the global commitment to eradicating child exploitation networks.  

Key Details of the Operation  

The operation targeted platforms trafficking child sexual abuse material (CSAM), some of which included sections specifically dedicated to infants and toddlers and were dedicated to the most egregious depictions of abuse, including violence, sadism, and torture. 

One key figure, Thomas Peter Katsampes of Minnesota, was sentenced to over 20 years in prison for his role in administering these sites. Katsampes managed content moderation, enforced posting rules, provided users with advice on evading detection, and praised contributors.  

Additionally, eight significant co-conspirators have been convicted in the Southern District of Florida. They were also ordered to pay restitution to the victims of their offense after pleading guilty to charges. 

• Selwyn David Rosenstein (Florida) – Conspiracy to advertise child pornography, five counts of advertisement of child pornography, and possession of child pornography; 28 years, $80,500.
• Matthew Branden Garrell (North Carolina) – Conspiracy to advertise and distribute child pornography; 20 years and 10 months, $158,500.
• Robert Preston Boyles (Tennessee) – Conspiracy to advertise and distribute child pornography; 23 years and four months, $7,500.
• Gregory Malcolm Good (Nevada) - Conspiracy to advertise and distribute child pornography; 25 years and 10 months, $93,500.
• William Michael Spearman (Alabama) – Engaging in a child exploitation enterprise; life sentence, $123,400.
• Joseph Addison Martin (Washington) – Engaging in a child exploitation enterprise; 42 years, $174,500.
• Joseph Robert Stewart (Washington) – Conspiracy to advertise and distribute child pornography; 23 years, $19,500.
• Keith David McIntosh (Michigan) – Conspiracy to advertise and distribute child pornography; 55 years in prison.

Nine other individuals have been convicted for their involvement with these websites in other judicial districts:

• Charles Hand, 14 years in federal prison
• Michael Ibarra, 12 years in prison
• Clay Trimble, 18 years in prison
• David Craig, 9 years in prison
• Robert Rella, 5 years and 8 months in prison
• Samuel Hicks, 16 years in prison
• Richard Smith, 14 years in prison
• Patrick Harrison, 5 years and 10 months in prison
• Thomas Gailus, pending

Other arrests extended to regions such as the U.K., the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Estonia, Belgium, and South Africa.  

Global Impact on Cybercrime  

The FBI’s cybercrime operation highlighted the importance of collaboration across borders, as resources from multiple countries played critical roles in identifying and prosecuting offenders.  

This child exploitation crackdown aligns with the Department of Justice’s broader "Project Safe Childhood" initiative, which most recently sentenced three individuals.