A man will appear in court today charged by Strike Force Trawler detectives following an investigation into alleged online sharing of child abuse material.
Earlier this month, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from Glen Innes.
Police will allege in court that the person believed they were speaking with a 38-year-old mother and engaged in conversations about sexually explicit acts he wished to perform on her child.
It will be further alleged the man sent child abuse material online and made arrangements to meet the child in person.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 32-year-old man at a home at Glen Innes about 11am yesterday (Wednesday 28 October 2020).
Police executed a search warrant at the property and seized electronic devices, which will undergo further examination.
The man was taken to Glen Innes Police Station and charged with offences that include three counts of use carriage service transmit/publish/promote child abuse and incite to commit sexual intercourse with child under the age of 10 years.
He was refused bail to appear before Armidale Local Court on today (Thursday 28 October 2020).
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
