A 54-year-old-man will face court today after arriving into Darwin International Airport late last year allegedly with objectionable and child abuse material on his electronic devices.
On 7 December 2023, the man arrived on an international flight from Singapore, where he was selected for a baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.
This then led to an examination of his electronic devices and subsequent searches revealed a number of child abuse material on these devices.
Later that same evening, ABF investigators, with support from Australian Federal Police (AFP), attended the man’s residential address in Darwin and placed him under arrest for the importation of Child Abuse Material, tier 2 goods, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901.
ABF Chief Superintendent Tracie Griffin said the ABF remained absolutely resolute in its approach to child exploitation material.
“The ABF takes it role to protect the Australian community extremely seriously. Our officers are alert to the various indicators that a person may be seeking to travel in or out of Australia with this abhorrent material,” Chief Superintendent Griffin said.
“Our message is very simple. Do not attempt to engage in this illegal conduct. If you do, we will catch you, and you can expect to face the full legal consequences.
“We won’t hesitate to use our powers to prosecute any individual associated with these vile activities who may pose a threat to our community,” she said.
The maximum penalty for an individual importing or exporting child exploitation material is $525,000 and/or 10 years’ imprisonment.
Anyone with information about individuals coming through the border with illicit material, including child exploitation material, should report it by visiting Border Watch on the Department of Home Affairs webpage. You can remain anonymous.
