Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a Griffith man arriving in Sydney Harbour after he allegedly attempted to groom a child for sexual activity.
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.
In June 2024, detectives launched an investigation into an online user attempting to contact children for sexual activity.
During the investigation, the man allegedly sent inappropriate photos and videos to – who he believed – was a 14-year-old girl.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 48-year-old man at the International Passenger Terminal, Sydney, at about 7am today (Friday 9 August 2024).
The man was taken to Day Street Police Station where he was charged with use carriage service to procure child under 16 years for sexual activity.
He was refused bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today.
Detectives will allege in court the 48-year-old made plans to meet with the young girl for sexual activity once his cruise has ended in Sydney.
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.
