Strike Force Trawler detectives have charged a man from the state's mid-north coast following an investigation into the alleged online procuring of a child.
In May, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from Taree.
Police will allege in court that the man believed he was speaking with a 14-year-old girl and engaged in conversations about sexually explicit acts he wished to perform with the child and sent her explicit material.
It will be further alleged that the man arranged to meet the child in person.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators arrested a 26-year-old man at Forster, about 10.50am today (Wednesday 15 July 2020).
The man was taken to Forster Police Station and charged with two counts of use carriage service to solicit child abuse material, possess/control child abuse material using carriage service and use carriage service to procure child under 16 years for sex.
During a subsequent search of the man's car, police located a mattress in the rear of the vehicle.
He was refused bail to appear at Forster Local Court today (Wednesday 15 July 2020).
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.
