Merrimac man, 58, allegedly caught with child abuse material stored in Dropbox account

A man from a central Gold Coast suburb has allegedly been busted with child abuse material stored in a Dropbox account after US authorities raised the alarm.

A Merrimac man has allegedly been busted with child abuse material stored in a Dropbox account after the United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children raised the alarm.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) stated an investigation began in September last after the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) received a report from the American organisation.

The Merrimac man allegedly had child abuse material stored in a Dropbox account. Picture: iStock

The 58-year-old man was later charged by the AFP Brisbane Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) with possessing child abuse material.

“AFP JACET investigators allegedly linked the Merrimac man to the associated account,” a statement read.

“A search warrant was executed at the man’s home on June 23, 2022, with investigators seizing a personal computer, which will be subject to further forensic examination.”

AFP Sergeant Bianca Warland said the AFP works alongside international partners to help protect Australian children.

“Our investigators work tirelessly to identify anyone sharing or downloading child abuse material and to ensure they are prosecuted,” she said.

The Merrimac man was due to face Southport Magistrates Court on Monday.

The AFP urged anyone with information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.accce.gov.au/report online.

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Originally published as Merrimac man, 58, allegedly caught with child abuse material stored in Dropbox account