Ipswich police raid allegedly uncovers child abuse material after tip-off

An Ipswich man has been charged with multiple child abuse material offences after police raided his home following a report to an intelligence centre.

Christopher Gerald Savage outside the Ipswich courthouse on September 23, 2024. Picture: Grace Koo

An Ipswich man has been charged with child abuse material offences following a report about his online activities that led to a police raid at his home.

Australian Federal Police charged Christopher Gerald Savage, 36, with two counts of possessing child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service and two counts of using a carriage service to access and transmit child abuse materials. No plea has been entered.

Savage, who was granted bail earlier, appeared in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday.

Police investigated a report from the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation’s Intelligence Fusion Cell about the Savage’s online activities and executed a search warrant at his South Ripley home on Friday.

Investigators allegedly found child abuse materials on electronic devices, seizing them for forensic examination.

The matter was briefly mentioned before court, with defence solicitor Eddie Bien representing Savage.

Federal prosecutor Alice Tanzer-Wilde said there were quite a number of devices needed to be examined.

“These matters are surely indictable,” she said

“If the brief of evidence direction was made, the informant is fondly for a couple of weeks.

“We’re seeking a disclosure date for that brief of evidence in seven weeks’ time.”

The matter was adjourned to November 18.

Savage’s bail was enlarged.

AFP Acting Detective Inspector Claire Arnold said police were not the only ones who identified suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation.

“Everything you do online leaves a footprint and is almost impossible to hide,” she said.

“Anyone engaged in illegal activity online can very well expect a knock on the door from law enforcement.

“The AFP and state and territory police are supported by the reach and expertise of government agencies, non-government organisations and private companies to investigate people who are involved in the harm of children.”