A man from Sydney's north shore is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today (13 August, 2024) charged with the alleged possession of child abuse material.
The investigation began when the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) received intelligence about a dark net user trading and receiving child abuse images.
AFP investigators linked a Sydney man, 77, to the alleged illegal online activity.
The AFP executed a search warrant at the man's Lane Cove home on 19 June, 2024, with investigators allegedly finding child abuse material on the man's electronic devices, which were seized and are now subject to further examination.
The man was arrested and charged with two counts of possessing child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years' imprisonment.
The 77-year-old appeared before the court on 11 July and was granted bail to re-appear today.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Emmanuel Tsardoulias said the arrest was another reminder of the prevalence of online child abuse.
"This arrest should serve as a warning that law enforcement is dedicated to fighting online child sexual abuse and bringing those who commit these offences before the court," Det. A/Insp Tsardoulias said.
"Our message to offenders is simple - If you procure, access and transmit child abuse material, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted."
"This is not a victimless crime. Children are not commodities to be used for the abhorrent gratification of sexual predators."
About the ACCCE
The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and the ACCCE is driving a collaborative national approach to combatting child abuse.
The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.
If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.
Research conducted by the ACCCE in 2020 revealed only about half of parents talked to their children about online safety. Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at the ThinkUKnow website, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
