Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a ninth man over his involvement in an international child abuse ring under Strike Force Packer.
Strike Force Packer was established in March 2023 by officers attached to the Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) to investigate an international child abuse ring who were allegedly sharing and viewing child abuse material in online video conferences.
As the group included national and international members, strike force detectives engaged and shared information with a number of law enforcement counterparts, including Queensland Police, WA Police, Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police and the FBI.
In NSW, detectives have charged 8 men with over 70 offences who were identified as taking part in the online group.
Following further inquiries, about 7.35am on Tuesday (20 February 2024), strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Leichardt where they arrested a 39-year-old man.
He was taken to Newtown Police Station where he was charged with six offences including four counts of use carriage service transmit/publish/promote child abuse, and two counts of disseminating bestiality material.
During a search of his address, officers located and seized electronics and items relevant to their investigation.
The man was refused bail and appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.
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.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
