S2W Supports Interpol-OSCE Led International Joint Investigation to Combat Transnational Human Trafficking Crimes

S2W, an AI company specializing in dark web big data analysis (Headquarters: South Korea, CEO: Seo Sang-deok, hereinafter referred to as "S2W"), announced its support for "Operation CyberProtect III," an international joint investigation led by the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO, commonly known as "Interpol") and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), aimed at combating transnational human trafficking crimes based on online platforms.

This operation was conducted with the objective of dismantling organized criminal networks that lure women and minors into sexual exploitation content production by offering financial incentives on adult subscription-based platforms.

Criminal organizations recruited victims by posing as legitimate model agencies. Once victims began operating on the platforms, the organizations seized control of their accounts and siphoned off the majority of their earnings. Furthermore, they continuously coerced victims into producing more extreme content and even advertised coaching programs to teach methods of sexual exploitation and monetization using subscription-based platforms.

The paid access structure of content distribution platforms and communication methods centered around jargon were exploited by criminals to evade tracking by law enforcement agencies. Additionally, fragmented judicial systems across countries and the difficulty in collecting evidence hindered effective responses by law enforcement.

To address these challenges, law enforcement agencies from the Netherlands, Germany, Romania, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine collaborated in a "Hackathon" format, utilizing digital tools to solve security issues. As a result, they identified 34 suspicious cases, 18 suspect profiles, and 27 potential victims.

In this process, S2W, the sole South Korean partner company in Interpol's global public-private partnership program "Gateway Initiative," supported the investigation by utilizing its AI security platform for public and government agencies, "XARVIS." S2W monitored criminal clues scattered across the dark web, Telegram, and social media, performing related and cross-analysis to aid the series of investigations.

S2W has a track record of participating in multiple Interpol-led international joint investigations, including "Operation CyberProtect II" and "Operation Synergia III," providing crucial intelligence necessary for suspect identification.

David Caunter, Director of Cybercrime and Emerging Crimes at Interpol, stated:

"The convergence of investigators under this collaborative framework has yielded critical intelligence on how subscription-based content platforms are being exploited to victimize vulnerable individuals. This has enhanced our ability to immediately gain investigative leads as suspects and victims are identified, enabling us to dismantle criminal networks and protect those at risk."

Seo Sang-deok, CEO of S2W, commented:

"This international joint investigation has once again demonstrated the significant role S2W's data intelligence technology can play in addressing the security challenges faced by the international community. We will continue to enhance our cooperation with global public institutions, including Interpol, and contribute to joint efforts to deter the threat of transnational criminal networks."

Reference Material: About "Operation CyberProtect III"

This international joint operation, led by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), targeted human trafficking and digital sexual exploitation (e-pimping). It was conducted in a "Hackathon" format over four days from May 19 to May 22, 2026.

Law enforcement agencies from seven European countries, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine, participated. Key global entities and companies such as S2W, Meta, TikTok, Europol, and Group-IB also joined as partners.

The operation yielded the following results:

Identification of 34 suspicious cases

Identification of 18 suspect profiles

Confirmation of 27 potential victims

The main investigative findings and trends identified through the operation are as follows:

1. Surge in Advertisements for Models from South America

A significant increase in advertisements featuring women from South America suggests this region may be a primary source for both real-world and online sexual exploitation.

2. Exploitation of Encrypted Messaging Apps

Cases were identified where victims were recruited using encrypted messaging apps, and requests were made for nude images without age verification.

3. Organized Trading Networks

Content creators are being traded at high prices, with up to 28,000 advertisements found in one messaging group.

4. Payment via Cryptocurrencies

The diamond emoji, exchangeable for cryptocurrency, is being used as a payment method. In confirmed cases, private videos lasting 25 minutes were sold for as little as approximately 3 USD.

5. Exploitation of Social Media

Evidence was found of "e-pimps" sharing know-how and strategies on social media platforms.

6. Misuse of AI

Cases were identified where AI is used to generate fake profiles to supplement human-driven content operations.

Company Overview

Company Name: S2W

Representative: CEO Seo Sang-deok

Established: September 2018

Official Website: https://s2w.inc/ja

Established in September 2018, S2W is a specialized dark web big data analysis AI company that was selected as one of the "100 Most Promising Technology Pioneers" by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2023.

Since being selected as a partner company of the "International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO)" in 2020, S2W has continued to cooperate in investigations to enhance global security. From July 2024, it has been providing data to Microsoft's (MS) "Security Copilot" and continuing technological cooperation for organizations and companies. In October 2025, S2W was selected as the 12th global partner and the first from South Korea in the "Gateway Initiative," a public-private cooperation program led by ICPO.

Product Information:

●XARVIS: Big data solution for cybercrime investigation for public and government agencies

●QUAXAR: Cyber threat intelligence solution exclusively for private companies and organizations

●SAIP: Industrial generative AI solution