NT, federal police arrest Katherine man after child abuse material raid

Investigators began homing in on the man after receiving a report from US authorities about an internet user in the NT accessing child abuse material online. READ THE LATEST.

A Katherine man faced court on Thursday after being charged with illicit drug and online child abuse offences. Picture: Australian Federal Police

Federal police have issued a stern warning to online “predators” after a Katherine man faced court charged with possessing child abuse material “a portion of which featured toddlers”.

The 42-year-old was arrested after officers from the NT joint anti-child exploitation team, made up of officers from NT Police and the Australian Federal Police, raided his home on Thursday.

Investigators began homing in on the man after receiving a report from the United States’ National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children about an internet user in the NT accessing child abuse material online.

During the raid, police located a number of electronic devices, including USBs, mobile phones and an SD card, with forensic examination later allegedly turning up hundreds of images of child abuse material.

Items seized in the raid were taken for forensic testing. Picture: Australian Federal Police

The officers also found drug paraphernalia and substances suspected to be cannabis at the man’s home.

The man was charged with one count of possessing child abuse material and drug charges and faced the Katherine Local Court on Friday.

AFP Superintendent Greg Davis said collaboration with Territory, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners was crucial.

“The AFP and its law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting children from predators who attempt to hide their offending behind a screen,” he said.

“Our message to online offenders is clear: No matter where you are, if you procure, access or transmit child abuse material, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted.”

Officers swarmed on the man’s home on Thursday. Picture: Australian Federal Police

NT Police Acting Superintendent Matt Akers said child abuse material had “no place anywhere” and anyone who viewed, distributed or created it was committing a crime.

“We will continue to work closely with our interstate partners to combat child abuse in all its forms.”

The man was remanded in custody and will return to court on August 19.

Originally published as NT, federal police arrest Katherine man after child abuse material raid