A man has been sentenced to five years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to importing hundreds of child abuse files into the country.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers arrested and charged the then 25-year-old on 26 September 2025 after officers found hundreds of files deemed to be child abuse material hidden in a secure folder on the man's digital devices. He had arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Dubai.
Earlier this year, the man pleaded guilty to the following offences:
One (1) x count of possess or control child abuse material contrary to s474.22A(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
One (1) x count of engage in sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) with a child under 16 years of age, and the sexual activity occurred outside of Australia, contrary to s272.9(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
One (1) x count of solicited material using a carriage service, the material being child abuse material, contrary to s474.22(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for the above offences ranges from 10 to 20 years' imprisonment for each offence.
At a sentencing hearing on Friday 18 September 2026, the man was sentenced to five (5) years' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three (3) years. He will be eligible for parole in September 2029.
ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker said every detection of child abuse material at the border represents an important step in protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
"Through intelligence-led targeting and strong collaboration with partner agencies both here in Australia and overseas, the ABF is committed to identifying offenders, preventing harm, and ensuring those involved are held to account." Supt Baker said.
"There is no place for the exploitation of children in our community. The ABF will continue to use intelligence, technology and partnerships to detect offending and protect those most at risk.
"Viewing, possessing, distributing child abuse material and contact offending against children are not victimless crimes and the ABF has a zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation."
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
