Child Abuse Squad detectives have charged a former childcare worker with more than 200 child abuse offences following a lengthy and complex investigation into allegations involving multiple children in Sydney's inner west.
Strike Force Boorong was established in November 2022 by detectives attached to State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad – with assistance from Australian Federal Police (AFP) Operation Tenterfield – to investigate allegations of child abuse involving a childcare worker employed at a childcare centre in Sydney's inner west.
Over almost four years, strike force detectives conducted extensive inquiries, including the identification of victims, analysis of digital evidence, and consulted with specialist agencies across multiple jurisdictions.
Following those inquiries, detectives identified 23 children – aged between one and five – who were allegedly sexually abused by a 48-year-old man between July 2014 and December 2017.
About 8.25am today (Friday 30 October 2026) strike force detectives arrested a 48-year-old Queensland man at Silverwater Correctional Facility.
He was charged with 202 offences, including;
- 68 counts of sexual intercourse with child under 10
- 42 counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with child under 10 – under authority
- 69 counts of aggravated indecent assault (10 years)
- 23 counts of produce child abuse material (10 years)
The 48-year-old was remanded in custody and will appear at Bail Division Local Court 6 today (Friday 30 October 2026).
State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, said the investigation highlights the determination of detectives to pursue child abuse offenders, no matter how much time has passed since the alleged offending.
"The charges laid today follow years of painstaking investigative work by Child Abuse Squad detectives and partner agencies, who have remained unwavering in their commitment to identify victims and pursue justice on their behalf," Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
"This investigation involved the forensic examination of thousands of digital files, extensive victim identification inquiries and collaboration with law enforcement partners across Australia.
"The allegations before the court are deeply disturbing and involve some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
"Every child deserves to be safe and protected from harm. NSW Police is committed to ensuring those who exploit positions of trust to offend against children are identified, investigated and brought before the courts."
Commander of Child Abuse Squad, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, said the investigation was centred on identifying victims and ensuring those affected by the alleged offending received answers and support.
"The children identified during this investigation were between one and five years old at the time of the alleged offending and remained at the forefront of every investigative decision made by strike force detectives," Detective Superintendent Howlett said.
"Our detectives have worked tirelessly to identify victims, support their families and gather the evidence necessary to place these serious allegations before the court.
"Child abuse offenders often believe they can conceal their crimes through the passage of time, but this investigation demonstrates the determination of police to relentlessly pursue those responsible, regardless of when the offending allegedly occurred.
"The Child Abuse Squad will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate offenders and ensure children remain safe from those who seek to exploit and harm them."
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into the distribution of child abuse material/ etc is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
