A female, 23, is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (25 July, 2024) charged with 17 offences, including allegations she sexually abused children known to her and shared videos and images of the abuse online.
The Western Australia Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (WA JACET) executed a search warrant at her home yesterday (24 July, 2024) where they allegedly found evidence of the crimes on a mobile phone.
WA JACET, which comprises AFP and Western Australia Police Force officers, allegedly identified the female during an investigation into a report from the United States' National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about a user transmitting child abuse material online.
Police have identified three child victims and have ensured they are safe from further harm.
A forensic examination of the mobile phone is ongoing.
AFP Detective Sergeant Karen Addiscott said the investigation highlighted the global efforts to combat the exploitation and abuse of children.
"The AFP is working tirelessly with WAPF and other partners to protect children and to ensure anyone who preys on them is identified and brought before the courts," Detective Sergeant Addiscott said.
The female was charged with:
- Nine counts of sexual penetration of a child under 13, contrary to 320(2) of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA). The maximum penalty for this offence is 20 years' imprisonment;
- Three counts of indecently record a child under 13, contrary to 320(6) of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment;
- One count of used carriage service to access child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22A(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years' imprisonment;
- One count of used carriage service to transmit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1(a)(iii) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for the offence is 15 years' imprisonment;
- Two counts of used a carriage service to cause transmission of child abuse material to self, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(ii) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for the offence is 15 years' imprisonment; and
- One count of used carriage service to commit offence against 474.22 in circumstances of aggravation, contrary to section 474.23(1)(a)(ii) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for the offence is 15 years' imprisonment.
The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (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.
