The first Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) under the AFP Chair was held in Wellington, from 18 - 21 August 2025, hosted by New Zealand Police.
The meeting focussed on the financial enablers of online child sexual exploitation, with the theme: The power of financial data - the critical role of financial institutions in disrupting exploitative networks.
Attendees included law enforcement Board of Management representatives, as well as industry and affiliate partners that operate globally in relation to this offending.
The agenda focused on providing global context on how financial platforms are used to facilitate online child sexual exploitation, initiatives being undertaken by the financial sector, and opportunities for law enforcement, affiliates and industry to collaborate.
Highlights from the agenda include:
- Day one: Global scene setting, deconfliction and opportunities to leverage existing forums/coalitions.
- Day two: Industry Insights, including perspectives from industry partners, money remitters, cryptocurrency companies, traditional banks.
- Day three: Partnerships and opportunities with an industry led panel to discuss themes and issues raised over the previous and identify tangible outcomes for the VGT to take forward.
- Day four: Law enforcement discussions and opportunities raised, operational case studies, information sharing and lessons learnt.
The VGT was encouraged to hear the work already being undertaken by affiliates and the financial sector, and the willingness to engage on outcomes such as information sharing, establishing new projects and workstreams.
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