Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers charged a 54-year-old Maitland, NSW, man following an investigation into the alleged possession and sharing of child abuse material online.
The investigation began following a report from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in the United States.
The matter was referred to the AFP NSW Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (NSW JACET) and an investigation was launched.
NSW JACET investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Rutherford, NSW on Thursday, 6 February 2020.
As a result of these activities, two phones were located and subject to digital forensic examination. Police will allege the man used at least one of these devices to share child abuse material online.
The man was later arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with a range of offences, including:
- Possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service - contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth);
- Use carriage service to access child abuse material - contrary to 474.22(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth);
- Using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material- contrary to Section 474.22(1)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
He was bailed to appear before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday, 4 March 2020.
AFP Detective Sergeant Jarryd Dunbar, NSW JACET Team Leader, said the sharing of child abuse material online is an offence with ongoing repercussions for victims.
"Each time this material is shared across internet forums, it amplifies the abuse these children have been subjected to," Detective Sergeant Dunbar said.
"The NSW JACET will continue to investigate the perpetrators behind this type of offending which objectifies children, and ensure they are brought before the courts."
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in the possession or sharing of child exploitation material are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the Report Abuse button at www.accce.gov.au/report.
