This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police.
Victoria Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (VIC JACET) investigators have charged a 33-year-old Melbourne man with allegedly possessing child abuse material.
The National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children based in the US provided reports outlining alleged transmissions of child abuse material online to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation for triaging and referral.
An investigation commenced once the matter was referred to VIC JACET, comprising of members from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Victoria Police.
On Tuesday (11 February 2020), VIC JACET investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Greenvale, Victoria. Police seized a mobile device allegedly containing child abuse material.
A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged with possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The man was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court today (Friday, 14 February 2020).
AFP Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling said reports into online child abuse from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children provide a key avenue for law enforcement to identify offenders targeting the most vulnerable group in our society.
"The sharing of information and resources through the Joint Anti Child Exploitation Teams is crucial to combatting this horrible crime type and working towards a common goal - preventing the exploitation of children," Det. Supt. Crossling said.
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.
