Detectives from the Townsville Child Abuse and Sexual Crimes Unit (CASCU) have charged a man with 95 offences, including distributing, soliciting, and possessing child exploitation material following an extensive investigation.
It will be alleged detectives identified a 21-year-old man from Waterford West following ongoing investigations into online distribution activity.
Detectives will allege the man was linked to multiple online accounts and encrypted communications across several platforms.
On July 23, detectives executed a search warrant at a Muchow Road, Waterford West address, where the 21-year-old man was located and a number of digital devices were seized.
The man was initially charged with 17 offences on July 23 and has been remanded in custody since.
Following forensic examination of the seized devices, police identified further alleged offending, including extensive online communications and material depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
A further 78 charges were subsequently laid against the man on August 22, bringing the total number of charges to 95.
The 21-year-old Waterford West man has been charged with 21 counts of soliciting child abuse material by using a carriage service, 55 counts of distributing child exploitation material using a hidden network or anonymising service, one count of possessing child exploitation material using a hidden network or anonymising service and one count of possessing tainted property, in addition to the 17 offences previously laid.
A woman who was present at the Waterford West address when the search warrant was executed was also arrested and charged with a number of drug trafficking offences.
The 21-year-old man remains in custody and is due to reappear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, 16 October.
Townsville CASCU Officer in Charge, Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Miles, said specialist investigators would continue to pursue people who use technology to exploit children.
"Child exploitation material causes significant and lasting harm to children, and those who produce, distribute or access this material should understand that police will continue to pursue them, regardless of the platforms or technology they use," Detective Senior Sergeant Miles said.
"This investigation demonstrates the commitment of specialist investigators to identifying people involved in this offending, gathering evidence and taking action to protect children from further harm."
"We encourage parents and carers to remain engaged with children about their online activity and to report any concerns about inappropriate or concerning online interactions to police."
Quote this reference number: QP2601422931
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