Brazilian authorities launched a large-scale operation Wednesday against child pornography in 14 states of the country, Xinhua reported.

Codenamed "Protect Brazil", the operation targeted suspects in the states of Sao Paulo, Alagoas, Ceara, Espirito Santo, Goias, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Parana, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Roraima, Santa Catarina and Tocantins.

At least three people have been arrested for possessing pornographic images of children in the states of Goias, Rio Grande do Sul and Parana.

Investigations began six months ago after non-governmental organisations contacted police with information regarding suspected paedophiles.

The operation is part of a larger crackdown on sex tourism in the lead-up to the 2014 FIFA football World Cup, to be hosted by Brazil from mid-June to mid-July.