A Gold Coast man is expected to face Southport Magistrate's Court today (5 November, 2026) charged with online child abuse offences.
An investigation started after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers identified suspected child abuse files during an examination of a phone when the man, 41, arrived at Brisbane International Airport on 4 February, 2026.
A comprehensive forensic examination of the device identified thousands of alleged child abuse material files, and the matter was referred to the AFP's Northern Command Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (NC JACET).
It will be alleged the child abuse material was generated using artificial intelligence (AI) to digitally sexualize and "nudify" images of clothed children sourced from social media accounts, including images of at least three children located in Australia.
Investigators executed a search warrant at an Arundel home yesterday (4 November, 2026), and seized two mobile phones, which will be subject to further forensic examination.
The man was arrested and charged with one count of making child exploitation material, contrary to section 228B of the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Frank Rayner said the rise of AI was creating new challenges for law enforcement, but the AFP remained committed to protecting children from online harm.
"As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our everyday technology, we are seeing a rise in its' misuse to create extreme and unlawful sexual depictions of children," said Det-Supt Rayner.
"The creation, possession or distribution of any form of child abuse material - whether real or AI-generated - is illegal and will not be tolerated. To those abusing this technology, be warned that the AFP will investigate and bring you before the court."
ABF Acting Superintendent Melissa Nicholson warned that images of children could be exploited in disturbing ways through the misuse of artificial intelligence, and said that ABF officers remained vigilant to the emerging threat at Australia's border.
"Child abuse material is child abuse material, no matter how it is made. Manipulating an image of a child with AI to create sexualised content is exploitation, and the harm to that child can be very real and lasting," A/g Supt Nicholson said.
"Our officers are trained to detect this vile material, and when they find it, we work closely with the AFP and other law enforcement partners to bring those responsible before the courts."
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 Triple Zero (000).
If you, or someone you know, is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.
