Overseas tip-off lands Queensland man in court for child abuse material
A Sunshine Coast man could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty after he was charged with various counts of child abuse material-related offences following a tip-off from specialist police in the United States.
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A Sunshine Coast man is today expected to face court charged with various counts of child abuse material-related offences following a tip-off from specialist police in the United States.
The investigation into the man’s alleged offending began when the United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted the Australian Federal Police Brisbane Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) about a user allegedly uploading child abuse material through Yahoo and Google accounts online.
The investigation, which began in May, led AFP officers to execute a search warrant at the Birtinya man’s home.
Police seized a laptop, mobile phone, USB and printed images, while the digital devices will now be subject to further forensic examination.
The man was subsequently charged with one count each of using a carriage service to transmit child pornography material, possessing child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage, and possessing child exploitation material.
If found guilty and convicted, the man could face up to 15 years in prison.
He is due to front Maroochydore Magistrates Court today.
AFP Sergeant Bianca Warland said the AFP, along with state and territory law enforcement agencies, remained committed to protecting children.
“Anyone who views this material is committing a crime,” Sergeant Warland said.
“This is not a victimless crime. Children are not commodities to be used for the abhorrent gratification of sexual predators.”
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 visit www.accce.gov.au/report.
If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on triple-0 (000).
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