Detectives from Argos have arrested a 52-year-old man in relation to alleged child sex offences in the Darling Downs.
It will be alleged the man used a social media platform in attempts to procure a child for sexual acts. The man allegedly made arrangements to meet with the child who was an undercover Argos operative.
On 4 July 2026, officers executed a search warrant at the man’s residence where electronic devices were seized as part of the investigation and will be subject to further examination.
The 52-year-old man has been charged with two charges of using a carriage service to ‘groom’ another person to make it easier to procure persons under 16 years of age, three charges of use a carriage service to distribute child abuse material, three charges of possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, two charges oof solicited child abuse material by use a carriage service, one charge of use carriage service to access child abuse material, one charge administering child exploitation material website using a hidden network or anonymising service, and one charge possessing child exploitation material.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in court again on 24 August 2026.
Detective Inspector Sue Newton from Argos said the arrest highlights the risk posed to children by online predators.
“It’s important parents and caregivers are aware of what apps, settings and platforms their children are using, and actively supervise their online activity.
“Our number one priority is ensuring the safety of children, if you encounter suspicious or inappropriate behaviour towards a child online, we urge you to report it immediately.
“Argos investigators are committed to targeting those offenders involved in the sexual exploitation of children and the possession or distribution of child exploitation material and will use all available resources to detect and apprehend those who seek to exploit children in our community.”
