Australian Border Force (ABF) officers arrested and charged a 43-year-old Australian man travelling from New Zealand to Sydney after a mobile device search on 6 March 2023 allegedly uncovered child abuse material.
Acting on intelligence which indicated the possible possession of prohibited imports, the man was subject to a baggage examination on arrival into Sydney Airport.
ABF officers located secure folders within the man's mobile device allegedly containing explicit imagery depicting minors under the age of 16.
The content was assessed and determined to be child abuse material, with the man also alleged to be engaging in online conversations with minors.
He was subsequently arrested and charged by ABF Investigators under section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901, intentionally importing tier 2 goods.
If convicted, the man faces up to 10 years' imprisonment.
ABF Acting Commander Raef McDonough said the combination of officer tradecraft and border detection technology are integral parts in protecting the Australian border.
"Let me be clear - there is no place for child abuse material within our community," Acting Commander McDonough said.
"We will continue to work day in and day out with domestic and international partners to catch, investigate and prosecute offenders.
"This imagery is not a victimless crime, as children are exploited both within Australia and abroad. My message to the victims is that our ABF officers are dedicated to protecting you and catching those who seek to conduct this detestable behaviour."
The man appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on 7 March, where he was granted bail subject to strict bail conditions until his next scheduled court appearance.
Anyone with information about suspicious border activity or border-related crime the community can report it anytime through Border Watch at borderwatch.gov.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
