A Coogee man, 58, is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (25 February, 2025) charged with child abuse material related offences.
The AFP will allege the man sent more than 600 files, which included child abuse material, to himself on an encrypted communications platform between May 2021 and October 2024.
The man arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from the UAE on 3 December, 2024, and was selected for a baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.
A mobile phone and laptop were located and during a digital examination by ABF officers on 10 December, 2024, child abuse material was allegedly identified.
AFP Child Protection Operations officers began an investigation and conducted a search warrant at the man's Coogee home on Wednesday, 11 December, 2024.
Officers located and seized a bag with about 25 video cassettes, a laptop and three hard drives. Two of the hard drives were observed to be damaged.
The man was arrested and charged with:
- One count of soliciting child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is 15 years' imprisonment.
The man first appeared before Waverley Local Court on 12 December, 2024, where he was formally refused bail.
AFP Detective Inspector Emmanuel Tsardoulias said the AFP worked tirelessly with domestic and international partners to help protect Australian children.
"Our message to offenders has not changed - if you procure, access and transmit child abuse material, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted."
ABF Superintendent Elke West said ABF officers worked tirelessly on the frontline of Australia's border to protect children here and abroad from harm.
"Those who are seeking to exploit children should heed our warning: you will be caught and you will be brought before the courts," Supt West said.
"ABF officers are working hand-in-glove with our law enforcement partners using sophisticated techniques and intelligence to target and identify passengers who may be in possession of child abuse material."
