The Instituto Cabo-verdiano da Criança e do Adolescente (ICCA) is currently monitoring only one victim of child abuse, a 14-year-old minor, in connection with Operation Aurora. This operation, launched in July 2025, aims to combat a network of sexual abuse and exploitation of minors on the island of Sal. Despite the growing number of detainees, which has risen to 25, including 18 in preventive detention, the ICCA has not identified or referenced additional victims.
According to Denise Resende, the president of the ICCA's Board of Directors, the institute is working closely with the Public Prosecution Service, the Judicial Police, and other services to protect the child and prevent revictimization. Resende emphasizes that if other victims are identified during the investigation, the ICCA will immediately activate the necessary protection and support mechanisms. The ICCA is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all victims.
Operation Aurora has uncovered a network of sexual abuse and exploitation of minors operating on the island of Sal since 2023. The investigation led to the arrest of 14 suspects in May, with 10 of them being held in preventive detention. Further arrests were made between September 29 and October 2, resulting in a total of 25 detainees. The case involves crimes such as prostitution of minors, pimping, sexual abuse of children, and sexual assault of minors.
The issue of child exploitation and abuse on the island of Sal is not new. There have been previous reports and concerns about this reality. In October 2025, Denise Resende, then the national coordinator for Child Protection at Aldeias SOS, published an article highlighting the risks faced by children on the island. She expressed concern about the normalization and silence surrounding this issue and the fragility of protection mechanisms.
Resende's article was met with a response from the Public Prosecution Service, which expressed "serious and grounded disagreement" with her claims. However, Resende believes that her concerns were linked to the reality now revealed by the investigation. She emphasizes the need for institutions to strengthen their ability to detect risk signals, improve interinstitutional coordination, and ensure that concerns related to children are treated seriously.
The ICCA is prioritizing the reinforcement of its response capacity, case management, and monitoring, as well as the coordination of denunciations and interinstitutional cooperation. The institution is also working on a plan to implement the Santa Maria Declaration, which aims to strengthen prevention and response to cases of child abuse. Resende believes that the case is "the tip of the iceberg" and that there is still much to be uncovered.
The ICCA is calling for the protection of the identity of children involved in Operation Aurora. The institution has registered 72 reports of violence, and Resende emphasizes the importance of identifying victims and ensuring their safety. The authorities have been tasked with investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the crimes.
Key points
- The ICCA is currently monitoring only one victim of child abuse in connection with Operation Aurora.
- The operation has resulted in the detention of 25 suspects, including 18 in preventive detention.
- The ICCA is prioritizing the reinforcement of its response capacity and interinstitutional coordination to prevent and respond to cases of child abuse.
