Detectives from Argos have arrested a 41-year-old Sunshine Coast man in relation to child exploitation material offences.
A search warrant was initially executed at his Glenview residence in January 2021 where devices were seized for forensic examination. As a result of examinations by QPS digital forensics experts, evidence was located that will be used to allege the man had possessed and made available child abuse material.
The 41-year-old man was charged yesterday with one count of using a carriage service to access child abuse material, one count of using a carriage service to make available child abuse material, and one count of possessing child abuse material for use through a carriage service.
The man has been released on strict bail conditions and is due to appear at the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on October 14.
It has been identified that the man is a teacher at a Sunshine Coast private school. At this time there is no evidence that the man has offended against any students, but investigations remain ongoing.
Detective Inspector Glen Donaldson of the Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group's unit Argos said this case highlights the tenacity of the QPS in targeting child sex offenders.
"This is not a victimless crime. These images have been created through the abuse of real children and anyone involved in possessing or distributing these images continues this cycle of victimisation," Detective Inspector Donaldson said.
"Every day Argos has undercover officers working in a range of online platforms to detect and apprehend people who seek to trade in these horrific images.
"To those that seek to engage in this predatory behaviour, remember that everything you do online leaves a trace and the QPS are relentless in targeting anyone involved in this crime."
Resources and advice
- Out of the dark #doiknowu a campaign by the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) supported by the QPS and Department of Education, providing resources to help young people stay safe online.
- Who's chatting to your kids? Further QPS advice and information about reducing online risks for children.
- eSafety Commissioner a key partner of the QPS in enhancing online safety, with a comprehensive suite of information, resources and reporting tools to ensure children have a safe experience online.
- Think U Know is a partnership between Australian Federal Police, Commonwealth Bank, Datacom, Microsoft, State and Territory Police and Neighbourhood Watch. It provides information on topics including sexting, cyber bullying, online child exploitation, online privacy, and what to do when something goes wrong.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
