Strike Force Trawler detectives have charged a man following an investigation into alleged online child exploitation offences in the state's south.
In February this year, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from the state's south.
Police will allege in court that the man believed he was speaking with a 14-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations about acts he wished to perform on the child.
It will be further alleged that the man made arrangements to meet the child for sexual activity.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives spoke to a 49-year-old man at Albury about 12pm on Tuesday 13 April 2021.
Following a brief struggle with officers, the man was arrested and taken to Albury Police Station.
In a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers seized a mobile phone and other items, which will undergo further examination.
A female detective senior constable sustained a minor injury to her arm during the incident; however, did not require medical treatment.
The man was charged with use carriage service to procure under 16 years for sexual activity, two counts of use carriage service to send indecent material to person under 16 years and resist officer in execution of duty.
He appeared at Albury Local Court the same day, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court today (Tuesday 8 June 2021).
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
