The Queensland Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (QLD JACET) has charged a 38-year-old Brisbane man following an investigation into the alleged possession of child abuse material.
The man is due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court this morning (Monday, 30 March) to answer these charges.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) QLD JACET investigators began inquiries into the man's online activities after the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) received a referral from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
On 12 March 2020, members of the QLD JACET and AFP Digital Forensics Team executed a search warrant at a home in the Brisbane suburb of Eagleby.
During a search of the home, investigators seized two mobile phones, a hard drive and four USBs which allegedly contained child abuse material.
The man has been charged with seven offences, including:
- Six counts of knowingly possessing child exploitation material, contrary to section 228D of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld).
- One count of using a carriage service to make available child pornography material contrary to section 474.19(1)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is 14 years imprisonment and 15 years imprisonment (respectively).
AFP Assistant Commissioner Northern Command Lesa Gale said investigating offences against children online remains a priority for law enforcement, even in times of global disruption.
"The AFP, through the ACCCE, and our international partners continue to work tirelessly to halt the spread of child abuse material," she said.
"Anyone who thinks they can use the current situation to avoid detection is wrong.
"This arrest shows our dedication to fighting child sexual abuse and bringing those who commit these offences before the court.
"The ACCCE will continue to provide critical support to JACETs and non-government organisations to combat online child exploitation. This work is a priority and will not stop."
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in the possession or sharing of child exploitation material are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the Report Abuse button at www.accce.gov.au/report.
Images from the investigation can be downloaded from the link below:
