UPDATE – An additional 38 charges were brought against the 23-year-old man by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP), in addition to 65 charges outlined below. These charges relate to a further 19 child victims, bringing the total to 54 child victims.
These additional charges are:
- 19 x Possess child abuse material, contrary to section 91H of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)
- 19 x Using a carriage service for sexual activity with person under 16 years of age, contrary to section 474.25A of the Criminal Code (Cth.)
The Manly Vale man was arrested by the AFP on Wednesday 20 February, after allegations that he was engaging in the sextortion of an Australian teenager.
The man was charged with a number of child exploitation offences at the time, relating to one child victim. The previous media release can be found here.
As a result of the forensic examination of devices seized during the February search warrant at his Manly Vale residence, the AFP has identified allegations of further child exploitation.
The man is now due to face an additional 65 charges in Sydney Central Local Court today (Wednesday 4 September), relating to a total of 35 child victims.
These additional charges are:
- 28 counts of soliciting child pornography, contrary to section 474.19(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)
- 5 counts of transmitting child pornography, contrary to section 474.19 (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)
- 32 counts of produce child abuse material, contrary to Section 91H of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)
The man remains remanded in custody, to reappear before court today.
Parents, teachers and carers can find more information about the risks of online grooming and where to get help at https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/.
ThinkUKnow is a law enforcement led education and prevention program that provides presentations to parents, carers, and teachers and students about technologies young people use, challenges they may face, and how they can be overcome.
It is a partnership between the AFP, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Datacom and Microsoft, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Datacom, delivered in collaboration with all State and Territory police and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia.
You can book a free presentation for your school online.
If you know about a child who is in immediate danger or risk call 000, Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000, or contact your local police.
