A Victorian man has appeared in the Downing Centre Local Court today (10 September, 2024), charged with allegedly soliciting and possessing child abuse material.
AFP Eastern Command Child Protection Operations officers arrested and charged the man at Sydney Airport yesterday (9 September, 2024) after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly found child abuse material on the man’s mobile phone.
The man, 26, arrived in Australia on a flight from Canada yesterday morning and was selected for a baggage examination by ABF officers. During this examination, officers discovered the alleged child abuse material and online conversations in which the man allegedly solicited child abuse material.
The matter was then referred to the AFP. The man was charged with one count of soliciting child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(iv) of Criminal Code (Cth); and one count of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22A of Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for the offences is 15 years’ imprisonment.
The man appeared at Downing Centre Local Court today (10 September, 2024), where he was formally refused bail. He is scheduled to reappear at the same court on 6 November, 2024.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the AFP worked closely with both domestic and international partners to help protect Australian children.
“Our message to offenders has not changed – if you procure, access and transmit child abuse material, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted,” Det. Supt Fogarty said. “The shared goal of law enforcement is to protect children, wherever they live, and to ensure anyone who tries to harm them is identified and brought before the courts.”
ABF Acting Superintendent Andrew Snook said ABF officers work diligently at the front line of Australia’s border to protect children, both here and overseas, from child abuse and exploitation.
“We utilise several targeting techniques and intelligence to identify passengers who may be in possession of child abuse material,” A/Supt Snook said. “We must work with our law enforcement partners to protect children and remove them from potential harm.”
- Former Army Reservist Cody Francis Guilty of Conspiring to Steal Government Funds - September 30, 2024
- Alphonse Bazile, Rayshaud Green Jailed 180 Months for Firearms Offences - September 30, 2024
- Gretna Resident Felix Mackey Sentenced to 192 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine, Cocaine Hydrochloride, Cocaine Base Trafficking - September 30, 2024
