Police last week charged a man with possessing thousands of images containing child abuse material following a protracted investigation in Mildura.
Officers from Mildura Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team executed a search warrant at a Mildura address on Wednesday 15 December.
During the search officers seized a mobile phone, which allegedly contained thousands of images containing child abuse material.
Further analysis showed the phone had allegedly been used to access tens of thousands more files containing child abuse material via an encrypted messaging service.
Police arrested and charged a 35-year-old man with several offences including using a carriage service to access child abuse material, and four counts of breaching bail conditions. More charges expected.
He has been remanded to face Mildura Magistrate’s Court on 2 March 2022.
Police further allege the man created a social media account and connected with 680 accounts belonging to teenage girls in the space of eight days.
Anyone with information about child abuse material is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, contact triple zero (000) or your local police.
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Constable Jamin Middleton – Mildura Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team:
“We are extremely focused on identifying those involved in child abuse material at every level, regardless of whether it’s production, sharing, or viewing child abuse material.
“With more people online during the pandemic, there’s also been more opportunities for unwanted contact.
“Open and honest conversations between children and care-givers is one of the most valuable tools for online safety.
“Don’t wait until something happens to have these discussions, we strongly urge parents and carers to be proactive when speaking to young people about online safety and risks.”
