Sunshine Coast man charged in alleged voyeurism and child exploitation case

A man has been charged after allegedly filming people inside their own homes without their knowledge, with police racing to identify 35 alleged victims.

A 32-year-old man arrested after allegedly performing an indecent act in his car on a residential street has now been accused of videotaping people inside their own homes without their knowledge.

The man was first arrested on February 3 after allegedly performing indecent acts in his car on a residential street in Maroochydore.

Police allege during their investigation, they found child exploitation material, along with photos and videos of people unknowingly filmed in their homes.

Police allege the man captured footage of people inside their residences by filming through windows using his mobile phone.

Investigators identified about 40 adults and at least one child in the recordings, with five alleged victims confirmed so far, and a strike force set up to help find the remaining people captured in the footage.

The material discovered allegedly dates back to late 2021 and continues through to February 2025.

Police further allege that the man unlawfully entered a woman’s home in Maroochydore and sexually assaulted her in October 2021.

Police have arrested a man accused of secretly videotaping people inside their homes without their knowledge. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

The man has been charged with one count each of committing an indecent act, possessing child exploitation material, using a carriage service to access child pornography, sexual assault, and burglary.

He is due to reappear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday, March 31.

Detectives from the Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), the Crime and Intelligence Command (CIC) and the Sexual Crime Unit, established Operation Xray Pelham to further probe the alleged offences and identify the remaining individuals in the footage.

As part of their ongoing inquiries, detectives will be doorknocking parts of Maroochydore this week in an effort to identify additional victims.

Police are urging anyone who has noticed a red Mazda 6 or a white Toyota Camry parked suspiciously near their home, or any unusual activity at night, to contact Policelink.

Detectives will be doorknocking parts of Maroochydore this week in an effort to identify additional victims. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

Detective Senior Sergeant Robert Lowry said police are prioritising the wellbeing of those affected.

“This sexualised, concerning behaviour is not accepted in our community and we’re working to ensure all those who have been impacted by the man’s alleged offences, are identified, notified and supported,” Sergeant Lowry said.

“If you’re concerned this may be you, or you have witnessed any relevant suspicious behaviour, please speak to police.

“The door knocks will be focused on asking residents in the Maroochydore area if they have noticed any suspicious behaviour or have information that may assist investigations. It may also allow police to identify individuals in the material,” he said.

Sgt Lowry said the door knocking efforts would focus on gathering information that may assist investigations, but ensuring the privacy of those affected remains a priority for officers.