14 Arrested in Major Child Exploitation Ring on Sal Island
Authorities in Cape Verde have dismantled a major child sexual exploitation ring on the popular tourist island of Sal, labeling the crackdown “Operation Aurora.” The Judiciary Police (PJ) announced on Wednesday that 14 men have been arrested in connection with a criminal network alleged to have systematically abused minors for years.
A Multinational Network of Suspects
The suspects, aged between 17 and 79, include citizens from Cape Verde, Spain, and the United Kingdom. All the men were residents of Sal at the time of their arrest. Following initial court appearances, 10 of the suspects have been placed in preventive detention as the investigation continues.
According to a police statement, the operation targeted a sophisticated group suspected of child prostitution, procuring, and the continuous sexual abuse and assault of minors. The PJ revealed that some of the victims identified so far are under the age of 14.
The Investigation: Operation Aurora
The crackdown follows a year-long investigation that began in July 2025. Detectives discovered that the criminal activities took place across various locations on the island between 2023 and May 2026. Sal is one of Cape Verde’s primary tourism hubs, known for its resorts and beaches.
During the arrests on Tuesday, officers executed search and seizure warrants at the homes of four key suspects. Police confirmed they recovered “various objects with evidentiary relevance,” which are expected to bolster the prosecution’s case. The investigation remains active as authorities work to identify further victims and potential accomplices linked to the network.
Image: Pexels – Rob Mowe
