Content warning: this article mentions an investigation into serious sexual offences against children.
Two members from Argos have received a United States Secret Service 'Director's Award' for their efforts in the arrest of an offender in Ohio in October 2023 and the rescue of two children aged two years and five-weeks.
The Director's Award is the United States Secret Service's highest award given to individuals or agencies outside of the US.
It is only given in circumstances in which an organisation or individual has given extraordinary support to the Secret Service.
The offending was first identified by Argos in mid-October 2023 when officers identified a male in an encrypted online platform sharing Child Exploitation Material (CEM) depicting the sexual abuse of a baby girl.
Investigations by Argos identified further CEM depicting the sexual abuse of a second baby girl.
The extent of the abuse was so horrific that medical evidence suggested one of the children would not survive her injuries if she was not located quickly.
Over a period of several days law enforcement across the globe worked tirelessly to identify the offender and rescue the children from further harm.
On 24 October 2023 officers from the US Secret Service, US Homeland Security Investigations and local police executed a search warrant at an Ohio address, rescuing both children and arresting a 34-year-old man.
On 17 May 2024 he was sentenced in the U.S District Court to 100 years in prison for his crimes.
Detective Inspector Glen Donaldson of Argos said that everyday Argos works collaboratively with law enforcement across the world to target high harm offenders operating on a range of online platforms.
"We are incredibly proud of the award received from the US Secret Service who remain a valued partner of the Queensland Police," Detective Inspector Donaldson said.
"Whilst the officers themselves are also proud to receive such a prestigious award, the identification of the victim children and their removal from harm was the greatest reward these officers can receive.
"This arrest highlights QPS' commitment to protecting vulnerable children and bringing perpetrators of these disturbing crimes to justice, wherever they may be.
"Law enforcement continue to share intelligence on a daily basis, working together to identify those who seek to hide on platforms they believe make them anonymous.
"Everything you do online leaves a trace, and our Detectives will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to identify and prosecute offenders."
Every conversation we have about child safety matters. Whether it's discussing online safety with a young person, reporting a concern, or participating in community initiatives, each action contributes to a broader culture of protection and vigilance to ensure every child can feel safe.
As part of National Child Protection Week, QPS urges everyone to engage in these crucial conversations.
Read more about Queensland Child Protection Week.
Resources and advice
- Who's chatting to your kids? Further QPS advice and information about reducing online risks for children.
- Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
