Europol’s Project Compass led to 30 arrests targeting ‘The Com’ network, identifying 62 victims and protecting four children from harm.
A yearlong operation, code-named Project Compass, led by Europol has dealt a major blow to The Com,’ a cybercrime network known for targeting children and teenagers. The joint effort, called Project Compass and coordinated by Europol’s European Counter Terrorism Centre, brought together law enforcement agencies from 28 countries.
“The Com” operates through a scattered online network, using social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms and streaming services to recruit and exploit young people. Its decentralized structure makes.
The Com is mostly composed of English-speaking cybercriminals aged 16 to 25. The group has been linked to attacks ranging from crippling British retailers’ IT systems to making bomb threats and coercing teenage girls into self-harm. Its latest alleged victims are premium users of Pornhub, whose data was reportedly hacked by ShinyHunters, an offshoot tied to the broader Com network, which includes Scattered Spider.
Since January 2025, Project Compass has delivered significant operational results, including the safeguarding of four victims and the arrest of 30 perpetrators. Investigators identified or partially identified 62 victims and 179 suspects, while also carrying out nine joint awareness initiatives. The project has strengthened cross-border cooperation among 28 countries, enabling coordinated investigations, faster responses to emerging threats, and structured information sharing.
“These networks deliberately target children in the digital spaces where they feel most at ease. Project Compass allows us to intervene earlier, safeguard victims and disrupt those who exploit vulnerability for extremist purposes.” said Anna Sjöberg, Head of Europol’s European Counter Terrorism Centre. “No country can address this threat alone – and through this cooperation, we are closing the gaps they try to hide in.”
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