A Sydney man will reappear in court in July, 2025, over allegedly importing and soliciting child abuse material, following a joint investigation by Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
An investigation commenced in February, 2025, after ABF officers stopped a traveller - a 54-year-old man - who had arrived in Australia from Thailand at Sydney Airport.
During a digital examination of the passenger's phone, officers allegedly located images and videos depicting child abuse material. The phone was seized for further forensic examination and an investigation commenced.
Following further data extractions from the device, officers allegedly located conversations between the man and a number of juveniles, soliciting child abuse material in exchange for payment.
ABF investigators referred the matter to the AFP's Child Protection Operations team, which joined the investigation.
Following extensive inquiries, ABF and AFP investigators executed a Commonwealth search warrant at a home in Cabramatta, NSW, about 5.30am last Friday, 16 May, 2025.
During the warrant, officers seized digital devices which will undergo forensic examination.
A 54-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Fairfield Police Station, where he was charged with:
One count of importing child abuse material into Australia, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment; and
Three counts of soliciting child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years' imprisonment.
He appeared at Fairfield Local Court on 16 May, where he was formally bail refused to reappear on 17 July, 2025.
ABF Investigations NSW Superintendent Brett Totten commended the joint work of investigators who were dedicated to the protection of children both on and offshore.
"The Australian border is a critical component to stopping the distribution and production of child abuse material," Supt Totten said.
"We have seen many instances where detection by ABF officers of child abuse material on passengers at international airports has enabled our law enforcement partners to find and remove children being abused and exploited.
"Our specially trained officers are ready to detect and arrest anyone involved in this type of criminal - and detestable - activity."
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the arrest was another reminder of the prevalence of online child abuse.
"Unfortunately, online child abuse material is not rare, and is a focus for the AFP and other law enforcement agencies," Det Supt Blunden said.
"Our common goal is to protect children, wherever they live, and to ensure anyone who tries to harm them is identified and brought before the courts.
"Our message has not changed. If you procure, access and transmit child abuse material, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted."
