Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the successful conclusion of Operation Grayskull, a major international investigation that led to the takedown of four dark web platforms used for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The effort has already resulted in 18 convictions and the exposure of one of the most disturbing online exploitation networks ever discovered.
According to the DOJ, the operation was carried out in collaboration with the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and multiple international law enforcement agencies. It falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in 2006 to combat the online exploitation of minors.
“These offenders thought they could act without consequences, but they were wrong,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti. “Thanks to the relentless work of prosecutors and agents, we have eliminated these platforms and brought justice to countless victims.”
A Global Network of Abuse
The dark web platforms, described by authorities as “egregious child exploitation websites,” collectively hosted more than 120,000 users. Investigators found entire sections of the sites dedicated to infants, toddlers, and extreme acts of violence, including sadism and torture.
“You cannot hide behind anonymity to harm children,” said FBI Director Kash Patel, calling the operation “one of the most significant strikes ever made against online child exploitation networks.”
The sites featured not only CSAM but also detailed instructions for evading law enforcement, using encryption, and protecting user identities. According to officials, the platforms were highly organized, featuring hierarchical structures, with moderators and administrators enforcing strict rules and overseeing content.
Long Sentences for Key Offenders
Among those sentenced was Thomas Peter Katsampes, 52, of Eagan, Minnesota. He received 250 months (over 20 years) in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution. Court documents reveal he played a leadership role on one of the sites, actively promoting and distributing CSAM, and instructing others on how to do the same.
In the Southern District of Florida, eight individuals received lengthy prison terms for running one of the targeted platforms:
Selwyn David Rosenstein (Boynton Beach, FL): 28 years
Matthew Branden Garrell (Raleigh, NC): 20 years and 10 months
Robert Preston Boyles (Clarksville, TN): 23 years and 4 months
Gregory Malcolm Good (Silver Springs, NV): 25 years and 10 months
William Michael Spearman (Madison, AL): Life in prison
Joseph Addison Martin (Tahuya, WA): 42 years
Joseph Robert Stewart (Milton, WA): 23 years and 9 months
Keith David McIntosh (Grand Rapids, MI): 55 years
Several others received sentences ranging from 6 to 14 years, while two suspects died before charges could be filed.
International Reach
Operation Grayskull’s reach extended beyond U.S. borders. Arrests were made in:
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Italy
Germany
Estonia
Belgium
South Africa
The coordinated international effort highlights the global nature of child exploitation crimes and the increasing role of cross-border cooperation in bringing offenders to justice.
A Clear Message
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne of the Southern District of Florida issued a stern warning:
“Let this be a clear message: we will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone engaged in such atrocities, no matter how sophisticated their attempts to hide.”
Operation Grayskull stands as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking on the dark web but also a powerful testament to the dedication of law enforcement and justice officials determined to protect the most vulnerable.