A New South Wales man is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today (11 March, 2026) charged with transmitting and possessing child abuse material.
The AFP begun an investigation into the man, 31, after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined his luggage following intelligence-led screening on his return from overseas on 11 January, 2026.
During an examination of the man's mobile phone, alleged child abuse material was identified.
The matter was reported to AFP. Following a further review of the mobile phone, the man was charged with:
- One count of transmitting child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- One count of possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of distributing material outside of Australia, contrary to section 273.6(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
These offences each carry a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.
The AFP will allege the man possessed about 40 child abuse material images on an encrypted application.
The man first appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on 12 January, 2026, where he was refused bail.
Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the AFP and its partners were committed to protecting children from perpetrators.
"Those who abuse our communities most vulnerable - our children - should know that AFP will be there to hold them to account," Det Supt Needham said.
ABF Superintendent Elke West said the ABF continued to be the community's first line of defence against abhorrent child abuse material and those who carry it.
"ABF officers use expertise, specialised training and intelligence‑led targeting to detect serious offenders and protect vulnerable children from further harm," Supt West said.
"Possessing online images is not a victimless crime. Child abuse material is illegal, and every image reflects real children who have endured abuse and harm."
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.
