Disney Cruise Staff Detained in San Diego Child Exploitation Probe

Twenty-eight employees of Disney cruise ships were detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in San Diego, California, as part of a wide-ranging investigation into child exploitation materials. The detentions followed inspections of eight cruise ships docked at the port between April 23 and 27, according to media reports citing the agency.

Variety magazine reported that the investigation targeted 26 crew members from the Philippines and two individuals from Portugal and Indonesia. Authorities concluded that 27 of the detained individuals are suspected of involvement in receiving, possessing, transporting, or viewing prohibited materials related to child exploitation.

A statement from Customs and Border Protection, cited in the reports, said the operation included the seizure of electronic devices and interviews with the suspects. The individuals are expected to be deported to their home countries in accordance with standard legal procedures.

Company Response and Passenger Videos

One of the inspected vessels belongs to Disney Cruise Line, which issued a statement confirming its full cooperation with authorities. The company emphasized a "zero-tolerance policy" toward any legal violations. Disney clarified that most of those investigated were not its direct employees, and that any individuals found to be involved are no longer part of its workforce.

Passengers aboard one of the ships circulated videos showing law enforcement personnel carrying out the detentions. No further details about the ongoing investigation have been disclosed.