This is a joint release between Australian Federal Police and South Australia Police.
A 52-year-old man accused of possessing images showing young girls being sexually abused is expected to face court today (31 May 2021) after being charged by the South Australia Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (SA JACET).
An investigation started after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding an online user uploading 156 media files containing child abuse material to Google Photos and Google Drive.
Investigators allegedly linked the man from a town in SA's Mid-West to the accounts. SA JACET, which comprises AFP and South Australia Police officers, executed a search warrant at the man's home on 21 April 2021, with investigators seizing a laptop, two computer towers and a mobile phone, along with a notebook containing handwritten passwords. Police will allege they found a significant amount of child abuse material on the digital devices, which will be subject to further forensic examination.
The man was arrested and charged with possessing child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years' imprisonment.
The man was granted police bail with strict conditions and is expected to first appear before Port Pirie Magistrates Court on 31 May 2021.
AFP Detective Superintendent Gail McClure said anyone who produces, shares or accesses child abuse material is creating the vile market for children to be physically harmed, causing them lifelong trauma.
"This arrest is another warning that law enforcement will never stop trying to identify, locate and charge anyone involved in these devastating crimes," Detective Superintendent McClure said.
"Our investigators are devoted to protecting Australian children from abuse and collaborate with international law enforcement to enhance the safety of children around the world."
SA Police Detective Superintendent Public Protection Branch James Blandford said: "The choices offenders make to be involved with child exploitation material are not innocent, they are not victimless crimes and it is not OK. Every image at its core involves an innocent child being abused and that trauma is ongoing, not only for the victim and their families but the community generally."
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online.
If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available.
Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protection children online can be found at ThinkUKnow, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
