A Doncaster man, 59, has been sentenced to more than two and a half years' imprisonment after ABF officers located child abuse material on his mobile phone at the airport.
The man arrived at Melbourne Airport from an overseas flight on 29 August 2024 and was subject to a baggage examination by ABF officers upon arrival.
During examination of the man's mobile phone, ABF officers identified files deemed to be child abuse material, and subsequently, seized the device for forensic examination.
Further analysis revealed the man's device held a total of 570 child abuse material files.
On 19 August, 2026, the man appeared at the County Court of Victoria and pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- Possess child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth)
- Use a carriage service to transmit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth)
- Import Prohibited Imports contrary to section s 233(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth)
ABF Acting Superintendent Peter Alderson said that ABF officers possess the expertise and capability to take swift intelligence-led enforcement action against offenders.
"The ABF remains committed to tackling child exploitation and we continue to target and intercept anyone posing a threat, particularly those who perpetrate crimes against the most vulnerable within our community," Acting Superintendent Alderson said.
"Child abuse and child abuse material is horrific - we will use the full weight of the law against anyone who attempts to circumvent border controls and acts in contravention of our laws."
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
