A 36 year-old Malaysian national has been arrested and charged after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly found child exploitation material on his mobile phone at Perth International Airport.
ABF officers stopped the man for a baggage examination after he arrived on a flight from Kuala Lumpur yesterday (Friday, 15 March, 2019).
During the examination of his mobile phone officers allegedly found abhorrent material, including a video depicting the sexual abuse of a child.
Officers seized the phone and cancelled his visitor’s visa.
The man has been charged with:
◦One count of Importation of a Prohibited Import being Tier 2 goods under s.233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901.
He is due to appear in the Perth Magistrate’s Court today (Saturday, 16 March, 2019).
Acting ABF Regional Commander for Western Australia, Emma Newman, said the ABF was committed to doing all it could to prevent the importation of abhorrent material into Australia.
“Visitors should be aware that possession of child exploitation material is viewed very seriously under Australian law,” Acting Commander Newman said.
“The maximum penalty for the importation of child exploitation material is 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $525,000.
“Tackling child exploitation is an operational priority for the ABF as part of its role protecting the border from individuals who may pose a threat to the community.”
