Australian Border Force (ABF) officers arrested and charged a 67-year-old Granville man yesterday for importing child abuse material.
On 25 May 2023, ABF officers undertook a baggage examination on a male passenger returning from the Philippines. Officers subsequently located the alleged child abuse material on the man’s mobile devices.
The man has since been linked to a broader ABF investigation which recently resulted in the rescue of five children in the Philippines who had been subject to sexual exploitation.
ABF officers executed a search warrant at the man’s western Sydney home, where further evidence was located and seized.
The man was subsequently arrested and charged under section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901 with intentionally importing tier 2 goods, which could potentially result in punishment of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
ABF Enforcement and Detained Goods East Commander Justin Bathurst said the role of the ABF extends beyond the border and into the broader community.
“ABF officers have a critical role in investigating criminal activity identified at the Australian border. This includes the importation of illegal and abhorrent digital material featuring child victims both within Australia and abroad,” Commander Bathurst said
.
“The Australian border is one of our most important national assets, especially when it comes to keeping the community and some of its most vulnerable members safe.
“Our officers are dedicated to ensuring people seeking to import child abuse material into Australia are caught and will face the full consequences of their actions.”
The man appeared before the Parramatta Local Court where he was granted bail subject to strict conditions, including the surrender of his passport and a $10,000 surety. He is also prohibited from being in the company of minors and must report to police four times a week until his next court appearance scheduled for 30 June 2023.
Anyone with information about suspicious border activity or border-related crime in the community can report it anytime through Border Watch at borderwatch.gov.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
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