Investigators in the central German state of Hesse said on Wednesday that they have searched dozens of homes in a large-scale operation against child abuse and child pornography.

About 59 homes were searched throughout the state in the operation, which mainly took place a week ago.

In a joint statement, state police and prosecutors said, “57 suspects – 52 men and 5 women between the ages of 15 and 71 are accused of producing, possessing and distributing child or youth pornography.”

In two cases, there are allegations of sexual abuse of minors.

About 460 items were seized during the raids, including numerous storage devices.

Nine suspects were questioned, but no one was detained.

The operation mainly took place between June 30 and July 4.

It targeted homes in the cities of Frankfurt, Fulda, Giessen, Hanau, Kassel, Offenbach and Wiesbaden, as well as other areas.

Investigators pointed out that sexual violence against children and adolescents is not only committed by adults.

“Children, young people and adolescents also commit sexual violence or display abusive behaviour,” the police statement said.

A total of 5,270 cases of acquisition, possession and distribution of child and youth pornography were registered in Hesse alone in 2024.

More than half of the suspects 53 per cent were under the age of 21, and around 17 per cent were children.

(dpa/NAN)