Detectives have charged 23 people with multiple child exploitation material offences as part of joint law enforcement investigations with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) since the inception of the Cairns Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET).
The Cairns Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) – comprising detectives from the QPS Cairns Child Protection and Investigation Unit and the AFP – have so far executed 23 separate search warrants throughout the Far North and Central regions since the team was established mid-2020.
As a result, a total of 23 people have been charged on 148 Commonwealth and State offences since mid-last year.
Far North District Crime Group Detective Inspector Kevin Goan said these outcomes were the result of a strong law enforcement partnership.
“These arrests show the work being performed by the Cairns JACET team as well as the importance of working with other agency to bring these criminals to justice.
“We want to also thank the community who continue to play an important role in us stopping, solving and preventing these types of child abuse crimes, Detective Inspector Kevin Goan said.
Australian Federal Police Commander of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation and Child Protection Operations Hilda Sirec said child exploitation is a crime that is increasing across Australia.
“Child exploitation is a borderless crime and we work closely with our partners at the QPS to protect children here in Queensland, across Australia and internationally,” Commander Sirec said.
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.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the Report Abuse button.
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.
