Sex Crimes Squad detectives have disrupted a series of alleged offshore online child-abuse networks, with urgent intelligence referrals leading to arrests in Uruguay, England, Poland, Mexico and the United States.
State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) conducts multiple concurrent investigations targeting the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Through Strike Force Constantine and Strike Force Trawler, detectives monitor, identify and disrupt offenders operating across a range of online platforms and jurisdictions.
Strike Force Constantine investigates the online distribution of child sexual abuse material involving ritualistic or satanic themes, while Strike Force Trawler targets broader child-exploitation offending facilitated through internet and telecommunications platforms.
Across both operations, detectives have analysed intelligence, identified offshore account holders, and urgently referred critical information to international law enforcement partners. These coordinated efforts have resulted in the identification and arrest of alleged offenders in Uruguay, England, Poland, Mexico and the United States. Each has been charged with child abuse offences and remains in custody.
United Kingdom
In April 2026, strike force detectives commenced an investigation into a UK based account holder allegedly purporting to be a woman and distributing child abuse material online. On Tuesday 21 July 2026, investigators referred the matter to international law enforcement partners, resulting in the arrest of a man in the UK. He has since been charged with child abuse offences and remains in custody.
Uruguay
On Friday 3 July 2026, strike force detectives identified an account holder based in South America allegedly producing and distributing child abuse material online. As a matter of urgency, the information was referred to international law enforcement partners, leading to the arrest of a man in Uruguay. He has since been charged with child abuse offences and remains in custody.
Poland
On Wednesday 8 July 2026, strike force detectives identified an account holder based in Poland allegedly distributing child abuse material online. As a matter of urgency, the information was referred to international law enforcement partners, resulting in the arrest of a 36-year-old man in Poland. He has since been charged with child abuse offences and remains in custody.
Mexico
On Friday 10 July 2026, strike force detectives identified an account holder based in Mexico allegedly distributing child abuse material online. As a matter of urgency, detectives referred the intelligence to international law enforcement partners, including information that the man intended to travel to the United States to allegedly sexually abuse a child known to him. On Tuesday 18 July 2026, investigators were advised the man had been arrested at the Mexican border, where he was allegedly found in possession of child abuse material. He has since been charged with child abuse offences and remains in custody.
USA
In July 2026, strike force detectives identified an account holder based in the United States allegedly administrating a chat linked to a paedophile ring which was producing and distributing extreme child abuse material online. As a matter of urgency, the information was referred to international law enforcement partners for further action, resulting in the arrest of a 23-year-old man in Missouri, United States. He has since been charged with child abuse offences and remains in custody.
United Kingdom
Strike force detectives commenced an investigation into a UK based account holder in July 2026, who allegedly disclosed the sexual assault of a child known to him online. As a matter of urgency, the information was referred to international law enforcement partners for further action, resulting in the arrest of a man in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. He has since been charged with child abuse offences and remains in custody.
USA
In August 2026, strike force detectives identified an account holder based in the United States allegedly posting images and videos of child abuse to an online paedophile ring. As a matter of urgency, the information was referred to international law enforcement partners for further action. On Friday 21 August 2026, detectives were informed that a Missouri man was arrested and a 3-year-old child rescued and placed into child protection. The man remains in custody, expected to be charged with offences relating to alleged child sexual abuse and child abuse material.
Investigations under Strike Force Constantine and Strike Force Trawler are ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into the distribution of child abuse material is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
