Recent data released by Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) indicates a stabilization, though at a persistently high level, in the number of registered offenses involving the sexual abuse of children and adolescents. In 2024, authorities recorded 16,354 cases involving children and 1,191 cases concerning adolescents – numbers that remain above the five-year average.
The data reveals 18,085 victims were registered in cases of suspected sexual abuse of children, a slight decrease of 2.2 percent compared to 2023. Simultaneously, the number of suspects increased by 3.9 percent to 12,368. For adolescent victims, 1,259 cases were registered (down 1.4 percent), with 1,018 suspects identified, a rise of 6.8 percent.
A significant trend identified in the report is the continued increase in offenses related to the production, distribution, acquisition and possession of child and adolescent pornography. Cases reached a peak of 9,601 in 2024, representing an 8.5 percent increase and more than tripling the number recorded since 2020.
While crimes involving child pornography and the sexual exploitation of minors have seen a decrease, the overall number remains substantial at 42,854 cases encompassing production, distribution, acquisition and possession of such material.
The BKA report also highlights a disproportionately high number of minors, young adults (ages 18-21) and young adults (ages 21-24) among those suspected of involvement in these crimes, particularly regarding adolescent pornography. A concerning factor is the prevalence of “self-filming” and the careless sharing of child and adolescent pornography among peers, often without awareness of potential legal consequences.
A significant portion of these offenses continue to occur online, presenting challenges for law enforcement. The internet provides opportunities for practices like “cybergrooming” “livestreaming” and “sextortion.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the figures as “shockingly high” and unacceptable. He emphasized the need for consistent prosecution of perpetrators, alongside enhanced technical capabilities for security agencies to identify and stop ongoing abuse, particularly online. He specifically mentioned the forthcoming implementation of IP address retention as a key tool to improve protection and facilitate prosecutions.
BKA President Holger Münch confirmed that the agency is bolstering personnel and technical expertise in this area, with the goal of identifying perpetrators more quickly and effectively and dismantling the criminal networks involved.