Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a man following an investigation into alleged online child grooming offences under Strike Force Trawler.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
In September 2026, strike force detectives commenced an investigation into the online activities of a 73-year-old man in Sydney's north.
About 7.35am yesterday (Wednesday 4 November 2026) strike force detectives – with assistance from Public Order and Riot Squad – executed a search warrant in Chatswood West, where they seized electronic devices.
A 73-year-old man was arrested and taken to Chatswood Police Station, where he was charged with;
- Use carriage service make available child abuse
- Use carriage service to menace/harass/offend
- Possess child abuse data-use carriage service
- Use carriage to access child abuse material
- Three counts of use carriage service make available child abuse
- Possess child abuse data-use carriage service
- Use carriage service-solicit child abuse material
The man was refused bail to appear at Hornsby Local Court today (Thursday 5 November 2026).
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into the distribution of child abuse material 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.
