Detectives from the Maroochydore Child Protection and Investigation Unit have charged a man with 22 offences, after child exploitation material was located at a Burnside address on Saturday.
After a year-long investigation, police allege the 29-year-old man was approaching children under the age of 16 years and requesting explicit videos and photos.
It is alleged he used social media to contact the children, engage in conversation and then offer money for the exploitation material.
The investigation launched in November 2018 allegedly exposed the man had been paying the children by using the ‘cardless cash’ facility.
The Sunshine Coast man is charged with 21 counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 and one count of possessing child exploitation material.
He is due to face a Maroochydore Magistrates Court in January.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have been contacted by the man to contact the Maroochydore Child Protection and Investigation Unit on 5475 2432.
Detectives also want parents to be aware of the dangers social media can pose for their children.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
