German authorities have successfully dismantled a suspected pedophile network, leading to the arrest of seven individuals and the rescue of a 12-year-old boy.

The operation, conducted by the General Prosecutor's Office in Bamberg and the Hanover Police, involved multiple raids across Germany.

The suspects, aged between 41 and 53, are accused of distributing child abuse content on Darknet platforms.

They allegedly served as administrators and moderators, facilitating the sharing of illicit material.

An online platform, disguised as a musical talent site, was also shut down for enabling contact between pedophiles and minors.

The investigation, which began in December, has already led to significant arrests in Germany and France.