Two men have been charged with multiple child sex offences following a joint investigation involving officers from Argos, the Child Protection Offender Registry and Bundaberg Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) targeting offenders trying to procure a child online with the intention of engaging in sexual acts.
The investigation commenced in February after information from the public identified a man using an online classified platform to seek children for sex. The matter was referred to Argos who engaged their online operatives to identify the offender. Subsequent investigations identified two men who engaged with Argos Detectives online where they arranged to meet and access a child for sex.
As a result of the operation, a 36-year-old Takilberen man was charged with grooming a parent or carer of a child under 16 years with intent to facilitate the procurement of the child to engage in a sexual act, and the possession of child exploitation material. He has been remanded in custody and will appear before the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on March 27.
A 29-year-old Oakwood man was charged with grooming a parent or carer of a child under 16 years with intent to facilitate the procurement of the child to engage in a sexual act. He has been released on strict bail conditions and will appear before the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on April 14.
Detective Inspector Glen Donaldson of the Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group's unit Argos said the investigation highlights the commitment of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to identify and target those who seek to use the perceived anonymity of the internet to target our children.
"Everything you do online leaves a trace and the QPS will leave no stone unturned to target those who seek to sexually exploit children online," said Detective Inspector Donaldson.
Detective Acting Inspector Cameron Schneider of the Bundaberg CPIU said the Wide Bay Burnett District will continue to work with our specialist areas to identify, investigate and prosecute these offences to ensure our community is kept safe.
Resources and advice
- 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.
- Who's chatting to your kids? Further QPS advice and information about reducing online risks for children.
- 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.
