A 36-year-old man is expected to face Sydney Central Local Court today (9 March 2022) charged with online child abuse-related offences by the Australian Federal Police.
The AFP's Eastern Command Child Protection Operations team charged the NSW man earlier today after officers searched his Kensington home and allegedly found child abuse material on two mobile phones and a laptop.
He was allegedly identified as a result of analysis of data seized during last week's arrest of a 26-year-old Lower North Shore man. Media release here.
Police have seized the electronic devices found at the 36-year-old's home and they will be subject to further forensic examination.
The man was arrested and charged with:
- Possess child abuse material, contrary to section 91H(2) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment; and
- Three counts of possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years' imprisonment; and
- Use carriage service to transmit, makes available, publish, distribute or promote child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Sergeant Jarryd Dunbar said AFP officers work tirelessly to ensure anyone involved in the exploitation or sexual abuse of children is identified and prosecuted.
The AFP is urging the public to help it solve cold case child abuse investigations through its Stop Child Abuse - Trace an Object initiative.
The smallest clue can often help solve a case. The world-leading initiative, is centred on the publishing of non-confrontational images that can be seen in child exploitation online material such as pieces of clothing or bedding.
Australian investigators believe the images are linked to victims in the Asia Pacific Region, including Australia, and are calling on the community to view the images and make a report at the ACCCE website.
The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and the ACCCE is at the centre of a collaborative national approach.
The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into child sexual abuse and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.
Members of the public are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if they have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation .
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 are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available.
Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at ThinkUKnow, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
