A Christmas Island man accused of taking sexually explicit photographs of a young girl is due to face Perth Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, 20 November) on child exploitation offences.
The 59-year-old was arrested on the weekend and brought to Perth by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) after he was remanded in custody at a court appearance on Christmas Island.
AFP officers launched an investigation on Saturday (16 November) after a relative of a young girl contacted authorities with concerns about the behaviour of the man.
A search of the suspect's Christmas Island home later that day resulted in the seizure of electronic storage devices including mobile telephones, a computer and a camera.
They allege those devices contained a substantial amount of abusive material, including sexualised images of several young girls.
The man has been charged with:
- Possess child exploitation material, contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA)(CI);
- Produce child exploitation material, contrary to section 218 of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA)(CI);
- Involve a child in child exploitation material, contrary to section 217(2) of the Criminal Code Compilation Act 1913 (WA)(CI).
The Western Australia Joint Agency Child Exploitation Team (WA JACET), comprising Australian Federal Police and WA Police Force, is now leading the investigation and forensic examination of the seized devices is continuing.
Police have not ruled out laying further charges.
AFP Detective Superintendent Crime Operations in Perth, Timothy Underhill, said the investigation was an example of authorities working with the community to protect children and ensure people suspected of producing child abuse material were detected and prosecuted.
"The consumption, production and dissemination of child abuse material has horrific lifelong impacts on its victims," Detective Superintendent Underhill said.
"Anyone involved in the consumption, production and dissemination of child abuse material be warned, we will find you and you will face severe penalties.
"This outcome shows that the AFP, together with our partners and the broader community, can make a difference to protect children and ensure suspected perpetrators in Australia and overseas are put before the courts."
