Operation Odysseus, led by German police agency the Landeskriminalamt Hessen, targeted paedophiles in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
According to Europol the main focus of the raids were various internet boards whose members' activities included the possession and distribution of child pornography material.
Over 40 places were searched, suspects detained and large quantities of equipment including computers, laptops, videos and other material containing images of child abuse were seized.
According to Deputy Director Mariano Simancas, heading Europol's Serious Crime Department:
"Today's operation has exposed a complex and organised hierarchical structure that internet networks of paedophiles and child molesters are using to protect themselves, by hiding their identities and their atrocious activities but the international law enforcement community has again given a strong and efficient answer".
