ANNAPOLIS, Md., June 11, 2025 — The Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force arrested 41 individuals and rescued 17 child victims during “Operation Safe Online Summer” (SOS), a nationwide initiative to combat online child exploitation held in April. The month-long operation, involving 61 task forces across the United States, focused on identifying and apprehending perpetrators of online sexual exploitation while providing resources to victims.
The Maryland ICAC Task Force, administered by the Maryland State Police Technical Crimes Unit, initiated 595 investigations during the operation. Additional arrests are expected as forensic analysis continues. The task force collaborated with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to execute the operation, emphasizing the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children and senior citizens, from online criminal activity.
The task force urges parents to monitor their children’s use of digital devices, including laptops, tablets, desktop computers, and smartphones. Recommended safety measures include continuous oversight of online activity, awareness of communication partners, discussions about online content, and control over app downloads. Parents should also caution children against interacting with strangers and monitor the information they share.
For senior citizens, the task force advises extreme caution when sharing personal information online, avoiding suspicious emails, and maintaining robust internet security. Seniors are urged to deny requests for remote computer access and avoid releasing personal details in unsafe forums.
Complaints involving child exploitation, such as sextortion, cyberbullying, or child pornography, should be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST. Maryland State Police investigators work closely with NCMEC to address these crimes. If a child is in imminent danger, individuals should contact local police or call 9-1-1 immediately.
Victims of internet-based crimes, including hacking, credit card fraud, phishing, extortion, or identity theft, are encouraged to file complaints with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.IC3.gov. The Maryland State Police Technical Crimes Unit collaborates with IC3 to investigate these offenses.
The Maryland ICAC Task Force’s primary mission is to protect children from computer-facilitated sexual exploitation through cooperation with law enforcement and prosecutors. In April, the task force conducted 31 community outreach presentations, reaching over 500 people to promote public education and prevention. These efforts aim to raise awareness about online safety and reduce the spread of internet-based crimes.
The task force highlighted the ongoing threat of internet crime schemes that exploit vulnerabilities across all age groups, costing victims time and money. By combining law enforcement resources and community education, the Maryland ICAC Task Force seeks to create a safer online environment for Maryland residents.
