European police have identified 23 young victims from Ukraine in a global crackdown on child pornography. Almost a hundred suspected paedophiles have been detained across Europe and further arrests are expected.

The investigation was launched a year ago after an Italian was arrested for distributing a video in which a Belgian man raped his daughters, aged nine and eleven.

But the inquiry went on to uncover an extensive child porn problem in Ukraine.

Human rights groups estimate that 10 per cent of people trafficked in Ukraine are children.

Child pornograhers have little difficulty recruiting minors in Ukraine.  Youngsters are often snared under the pretence of modelling careers or just earning cash. Train stations, markets and fast food outlets are the hunting ground for those seeking children to groom.

And for $US 20-30, many children are willing to play along.

The President of the Foundation of Youth Culture and Education in Ukraine, Larysa Bayda, says her country is 'open for sex business'.

“It is big money and our people are poor and demoralized,” Ms Bayda said.

Off camera she told RT that the authorities in Ukraine know the location of sex studios.  She says officials are guilty of covering up in order to take a cut of the big profits.