This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Western Australia Police Force
Six men charged during a joint agency child protection investigation in Western Australia are expected to face Perth Magistrate’s Court today (16 September 2022).
The men, whose ages range from 20 to 59, were among 45 people charged following a joint operation as part of AFP Operation Tamworth / WA Police Operation Palomar.
Police allegedly identified the men after investigating reports from the United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about individuals in Western Australia accessing child abuse material online. WA JACET investigators executed search warrants at the men’s homes during the operation. Police allegedly found child abuse material on electronic devices at five of the men’s homes, while a sixth man allegedly refused to provide access to his devices.
Mobile phones, hard drives and laptops were among devices seized from the men for further forensic examination.
There is no evidence at this stage that the men are connected or known to each other.
AFP Acting Commander Graeme Marshall said the arrests were a reminder of the commitment of the AFP and its local and international partners to protect children, and stop anyone who sought to exploit and harm them.
“Anyone who accesses or shares child abuse material online creates the horrific demand for other offenders to physically exploit and abuse children,” he said.
“These arrests should serve as a warning that law enforcement is dedicated to fighting child sexual exploitation and abuse and bringing those who commit these offences before the court.”
Details of those charged:
A Maddington man, 59, charged with:
- Fifteen counts of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code Compilation Act 1913 (WA).
A Lockridge man, 36, charged with:
- One count of solicitation, contrary to section 474.19(1)(a)(iv) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- One count of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22A (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
A Nollamara man, 35, charged with:
- Three counts of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22A(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- One count of unlicensed person to possess ammunition, contrary to section 19.1(c) of the Firearms Act 1973 (WA).
A Kingsley man, 31, charged with:
- One count of failure to comply with section 3LA, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
A Girrawheen man, 20, charged with:
- One count of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22A(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
An Aubin Grove man, 49, charged with:
- One count of accessing child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Code Act 1995(Cth);
- One count of transmitting child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- One count of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22A (1) of the Criminal Code 1995 Act (Cth).
The maximum penalties for these child abuse offences range from seven to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The maximum penalty for failing to comply with a section 3LA, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) is 10 years’ imprisonment.
The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation is driving a collaborative national approach to combatting child abuse.
The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.accce.gov.au/report. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.
Research conducted by the ACCCE in 2020 revealed only about half of parents talked to their children about online safety.
An award-winning podcast launched last year by the ACCCE ‘Closing The Net’ is working to change that, showcasing that knowledge is power and that our only chance to help prevent this issue is if we bring a ‘whole-of-community’ response.
The podcast series offers valuable tips and advice on how to keep kids safe online. Listen to the Closing The Net podcast on your favourite streaming platform.
If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available at www.accce.gov.au/support.
Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at www.thinkuknow.org.au, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
