A 62-year-old West End man is expected to face Brisbane Magistrates Court today (Friday, 22 October 2021) after being charged with child abuse-related offences by the AFP’s Brisbane Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET).
The man was arrested as part of an investigation that began earlier this month when the Brisbane JACET charged another Queensland man with a number of child sex offences.
During an analysis of that man’s iPhone, investigators allegedly discovered a quantity of chat logs with various individuals discussing mutual sexual interest in children. One of these chats was with a user on the Telegram application.
Both men allegedly shared child abuse material (CAM) for enjoyment and discussed their shared desire to abuse a child themselves.
Investigators from Brisbane JACET allegedly linked the West End man to the mobile number associated with the Telegram account.
A search warrant was executed at the man’s home in September 2021, with investigators seizing a number of electronic devices.
The man was arrested and charged with:
- One count of possessing child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code Act 1995(Cth);
- One count of using a carriage service to access child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Code Act 1995(Cth);
- One count of transmitting child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth); and
- One count of making child exploitation material, contrary to section 228B of the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld).
The maximum penalty for these offences is 15 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Sergeant Bianca Warland said this arrest demonstrates that offenders cannot remain anonymous forever and they will be apprehended for their role in perpetuating harm towards children.
“These individuals continue to prop up an abhorrent industry to satisfy their desires and will continue to do so until caught,” Sergeant Warland said.
“Although this work is heartbreaking, our investigators are relentless in their pursuit to identify and prosecute alleged offenders.”
The ACCCE is committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and is at the centre of a collaborative national approach to combatting organised child abuse.
The Centre 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 who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online.
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 protection children online can be found at ThinkUKnow, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
