COPENHAGEN, Denmark — February 17, 2026. A Danish priest has admitted in court to possessing tens of thousands of child sex abuse images and videos, shockingly likening the act to “collecting stamps.”

Tom Thygesen Frederiksen, 60, confessed before the Naestved court that he downloaded around 80,000 photographs and 2,300 films depicting child sexual abuse, including on his work computer.

“I’m incredibly sorry for what I’ve done,” Frederiksen told the court, while insisting he never paid for the material and claimed he was not sexually attracted to children.

Authorities revealed that about 700 of the images were classified as the most severe type, showing violence or coercion. Police discovered the material during a search of his home in May 2024 after receiving a tip from a file-sharing service.

The case has sparked outrage in Denmark, with child protection advocates condemning Frederiksen’s remarks and stressing that such comparisons trivialize the gravity of child exploitation.

Legal experts noted that possession of such material carries heavy penalties under Danish law, and the priest’s trial is expected to set a precedent for how the justice system handles similar cases.

Frederiksen’s defense argued that he treated the collection as a compulsive habit rather than a sexual pursuit, but prosecutors emphasized the devastating impact of child abuse imagery on victims. The court will continue hearings to determine sentencing, with public attention focused on whether the priest will face a lengthy prison term.

This disturbing case underscores the ongoing global challenge of combating child exploitation online, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring systems and accountability measures to protect vulnerable children.