A NSW South Coast man has been charged with three child abuse material offences, including allegedly possessing more than 1000 illicit images and videos involving minors as young as one.
The man, 58, who is due to face court again next month (30 September, 2025) was initially arrested on 3 August, 2025, after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly found child abuse material on his mobile phone.
ABF selected the man for a baggage examination when he arrived at Sydney Airport from overseas on 3 August, 2025.
During a digital device examination, ABF officers allegedly found child abuse material and alerted the AFP.
Further AFP examination of the man's device allegedly confirmed the presence of AI-generated child abuse material that featured the man.
He was subsequently charged with two offences and was granted conditional bail when he appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on 4 August, 2025.
AFP and NSW Police Force officers executed a search warrant at the man's home on NSW's Far South Coast on 8 August, 2025, where they seized a USB and desktop computer.
A preliminary review of both devices allegedly revealed more than 1000 images and videos classified as child abuse material, involving children as young as one being exploited or sexually abused, as well as bestiality material.
The man was charged with a further three offences and appeared in Parramatta Local Court on 9 August, 2025 on:
- One count of possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a
carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years' imprisonment;
- One count of produce child abuse material, contrary to section 91H of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment;
- One count of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 91H of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment;
- One count of possessing bestiality material, contrary to section 547E of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years' imprisonment; and
- One count of failing to comply with a bail acknowledgement, contrary to section 771(1)(e) of the Bail Act 2013 (NSW).
He is next expected to appear in Parramatta Local Court on 30 September, 2025.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Luke Needham said any material that depicted the exploitation or abuse of children was illegal.
"Online simulations, fantasy, text-based stories, animations and cartoons, or material which is created using AI are all illegal," Det a/Supt Needham said.
"Producing and possessing this material, even by AI, normalises this behaviour and contributes to the harm of children.
"The AFP and its partners will not rest until alleged perpetrators are apprehended and put before the courts."
ABF Superintendent Elke West said the seizure and destruction of any child abuse material brought officers and the community another step closer to the protection of children.
"All child abuse material is abhorrent, and ABF officers are detecting and identifying this depraved content at the border on a regular basis," Supt West said.
"The ABF prioritises intelligence-driven data and targeting to stop offenders in their tracks.
"The alleged possession and digital AI-curation of this content is highly concerning, and a trend our officers at entry points across the country are extremely vigilant of."
NSWPF Detective Inspector Catherine Flood, South Coast Police District Crime Manager, said NSW Police Force was dedicated to working alongside law enforcement partners to protect children and ensure the safety of our communities.
The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) is driving a collaborative national approach to combatting child abuse.
The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.
If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.
Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at the ThinkUKnow website, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
