Child exploitation investigation in Kirwan and Balgal Beach, QLD

Detectives from Townsville’s Child Protection Unit have arrested a man in relation to the alleged possession of child exploitation material (CEM).

A search warrant was executed at properties in Kirwan and Balgal Beach after police received advice the 47-year-old man, a high school principal, had been accessing CEM.

During the search police seized a number of electronic items, including a laptop and mobile device alleged to contain further CEM.

Investigations are underway to determine the identity of the females depicted in the CEM and whether they may be linked to the man.

A Kirwan man has been charged with eight counts of using a carriage service to access child abuse material and three counts each of making CEM and possessing child exploitation material.

He has been refused bail and is due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court tomorrow.

The man has recently been stood down from his position at a school in the Mundingburra area.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

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