Prosecutors explained that these platforms were not simply small, hidden forums run by isolated offenders. Rather, they operated like sophisticated criminal corporations, with complex hierarchies, moderators, documented rules for posting, and encrypted communication systems designed specifically to evade law enforcement. Investigators revealed that the combined user base exceeded 120,000 individuals across dozens of countries, actively sharing and consuming some of the most disturbing content authorities had ever encountered
Prosecutors explained that these platforms were not simply small, hidden forums run by isolated offenders. Rather, they operated like sophisticated criminal corporations, with complex hierarchies, moderators, documented rules for posting, and encrypted communication systems designed specifically to evade law enforcement. Investigators revealed that the combined user base exceeded 120,000 individuals across dozens of countries, actively sharing and consuming some of the most disturbing content authorities had ever encountered.
