A 21-year-old Thai national is due to appear in a West Australian court today (26 August 2020), charged with child exploitation offences following an Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation into the possession of child abuse material.
The investigation into the man's alleged activities began in 2018 after the AFP's South Australian Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (SA JACET), working with Interpol's Crimes Against Children, Thailand's Department of Special Investigations, New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, Europol, and the Bulgaria Cyber Crime Unit, began targeting a child exploitation network.
On 7 July 2020, the West Australian Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (WA JACET) executed a search warrant at a residence in Bentley, Western Australia.
During a search of the home police seized a mobile phone, laptop computer and gained access to an online account, believed to contain child abuse material and evidence of the livestreaming of child abuse material.
Yesterday (25 August 2020), officers from WA JACET arrested the man at Northbridge in Perth.
He is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court this morning charged with:
- One count of using a carriage service for child pornography material contrary to s474.19(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) and;
- One count of possessing or controlling child abuse material on a data storage device accessed via a carriage service contrary to s474.22A(1) Criminal Code (Cth)
The maximum penalties for these offences if convicted, is 15 years imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Tim Underhill said the arrest demonstrated the commitment of the AFP to pursuing those who engage in crimes that abuse children in Australia and overseas.
"This investigation was an international effort - demonstrating it takes a network to break a network, which is why working hand-in-glove across law enforcement borders to remove children from the harm of child sexual exploitation is essential," Det. Supt Underhill said.
"We will be relentless in our pursuit of anyone who is involved in the exploitation or abuse of children. Tackling this repulsive crime is an example of the importance of our international partnerships in reducing the incidence and impact of aggravated online child sexual exploitation, and removing our most vulnerable from harm."
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the Report Abuse button at www.accce.gov.au/report.
