State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a children's author for the alleged online grooming of children under Strike Force Trawler.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by Sex Crimes Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
Strike force detectives launched an investigation in early May 2024, after receiving an interstate report a children's author was allegedly communicating inappropriately with a child on online.
During the investigation, the man allegedly sent inappropriate photos and videos to – who he believed – was a 13-year-old girl.
Following an extensive investigation, strike force detectives – with assistance from officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command – executed a search warrant at an Old Guildford home about 8am yesterday (Friday 17 May 2024).
During the search, detectives arrested a 41-year-old man and seized several electronic devices.
The man was taken to Fairfield Police Station where he was charged with use carriage service to groom under 16 years old for sex and use carriage service procure less than 16 years old for sexual activity.
Detectives will allege in court the man used his position as a children's author to engage inappropriately with children online.
He was refused bail and appeared before Fairfield Local Court yesterday.
Investigations under Strike Force Trawler continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
