A 25-year-old Shepparton man has been convicted of child abuse material offences after ABF officers discovered alarming anime images on his mobile phone at the airport.
The man arrived into Melbourne International Airport from overseas on 21 May 2024, and was selected by ABF officers for a baggage and digital device examination.
During the search, ABF officers located an image deemed as child abuse material and in contravention of Regulation 4A of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulation 1956 - objectionable material.
The man's mobile phone was seized, and following further investigation another 19 images and 17 videos classified as AI-generated or anime child abuse material were discovered.
He was issued Part 1C Caution and Rights under the Crimes Act 1914, and charged by summons.
On Wednesday, appearing at Shepparton Magistrates Court, the accused pled guilty to the following:
· Two counts of importation of tier 2 goods, contrary to s233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth) (Customs Act) (Charge 1), which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment and/or a fine of 2,500 penalty units
The man was convicted and sentenced to a bond pursuant to s20(1)(a) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
The conditions of the bond require the offender to enter into recognisance of $500 to be of good behaviour for 12 months and that he visit a GP to obtain a mental health care plan, and receive psychological treatment as prescribed.
The man must also comply with reporting obligations under the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 (Vic) for a period of eight years.
ABF Superintendent Ben Michalke said Wednesday's court outcome demonstrates the ability of ABF officers to fulfil their duty at the border to protect the community from the proliferation of child abuse material.
"ABF officers who made this particular detection used their skill and intuition to intercept the traveller, locating the kind of abhorrent material that we remain committed to stamping out," Superintendent Michalke said.
"All material, including anime, computer generated images, and AI, depicting the exploitation and abuse of children is 100 per cent illegal, and those who commit such offences will be brought before the courts.
"The potential for this type of child abuse material to normalise contact offending against children cannot be underestimated.
"This is a growing trend and one which we will continue to target, using all available means at our disposal to keep our border safe and secure."
Anyone with information about suspicious border activity or border-related crime can report it anytime through Border Watch at borderwatch.gov.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
