CANBERRA, ACT, Aug. 25 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
This is a joint release between Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor's note: Arrest vision is available via Hightail.
A Sydney man appeared before Manly Local Court today (25 August, 2026) charged with multiple child abuse material offences following a detection at Sydney International Airport late last year.
The AFP charged the man, 35, yesterday (24 August, 2026), after investigators allegedly found child abuse material on his electronic devices seized during an Australian Border Force (ABF) examination.
The man came to the attention of authorities on 26 November, 2025, when he arrived in Sydney from New Zealand on an international flight.
ABF officers intercepted the man and conducted a baggage examination, where they located two electronic devices in the man's possession. Before the examination process was completed, the man left the airport, leaving behind his electronic devices, passport and keys.
The devices were retained by ABF and subject to forensic examination. Subsequent analysis allegedly identified child abuse material offending.
The matter was referred to the AFP, which reviewed the available material and identified multiple offences, including the alleged access and transmission of child abuse material with users located overseas.
AFP investigators executed a search warrant at a Waverton home yesterday (24 August, 2026) and located electronic devices containing child abuse material.
The man was arrested and charged with:
* One count of procuring child to engage in sexual activity offshore contrary to section 272.14 of the Criminal Code (Cth);* One count of accessing child abuse material contrary to section s474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);* One count of transmitting child abuse material contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and* One count of causing child abuse material to be transmitted to self contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The offences carry maximum penalties of up to 15 years' imprisonment.
The man appeared before Manly Local Court today and was granted bail. He is next expected to appear before the same court on 20 October, 2026.
AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the investigation highlighted the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in identifying and disrupting the exploitation of children.
"Every child deserves protection from those who seek to exploit, abuse or harm them," Det-Supt Needham said.
"The AFP remains committed to identifying offenders who engage in child abuse material offending, regardless of whether it occurs online, involves overseas contacts or is facilitated through encrypted communication platforms.
"Child abuse material is not victimless. Every image, video or exploitative communication represents harm inflicted on a real child.
"We will continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to protect children and bring offenders before the courts."
ABF Acting Superintendent Neil Singh said the vigilance and targeting of ABF officers at Australia's airports was essential to identify and stop offenders crossing our border.
"Our officers are at the front line when it comes to detecting child abuse material and other evidence of child abuse on passengers' devices and will act decisively with our law enforcement partners when it is found," a/Supt Singh said.
"Anyone attempting to harm children at home or overseas will remain a priority target for our agency, supported by our border detection efforts, and collaboration with law enforcement partners worldwide - we must work together to protect our community's most vulnerable."
Note to media
Use of term 'CHILD ABUSE' MATERIAL not 'CHILD PORNOGRAPHY'
The correct legal term is Child Abuse Material - the move to this wording was among amendments to Commonwealth legislation in 2019 to more accurately reflect the gravity of the crimes and the harm inflicted on victims.
Use of the phrase 'child pornography' is inaccurate and benefits child sex abusers because it:
* indicates legitimacy and compliance on the part of the victim and therefore legality on the part of the abuser; and* conjures images of children posing in 'provocative' positions, rather than suffering horrific abuse.
Every photograph or video captures an actual situation where a child has been abused.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
