AFP track down two New Zealand nationals on child sex charges

Two men accused of sexually abusing children overseas have been tracked down and arrested in Queensland, with some offending dating back more than 30 years.

Two men accused of sexually abusing children overseas have been tracked down and arrested in Queensland, with some offending dating back more than 30 years.

The men, both New Zealand nationals, were located this week in Brisbane and Townsville by Australian Federal Police’s Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (FAST).

A 44-year-old found in Brisbane and wanted on 11 charges of sexual offending against a child in New Zealand in 2015.

His matter was mentioned in court on Wednesday and he has been extradited back to New Zealand.

The second man, a 64-year-old, was located in Townsville on Wednesday and wanted on 12 charges of sexual offences against two children and an adult in New Zealand between 1986 and 2003.

His matter was mentioned in Townsville Magistrates Court on Thursday.

It was adjourned until October 6.

The FAST was established by the AFP in February 2021, and is a dedicated AFP transnational

capability focused on pursuing and arresting fugitives wanted in Australia or overseas

Since the inception of the FAST, 33 fugitives have been apprehended – 36 per cent of those arrested were wanted for child sex offences.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Kirsty Schofield said they were dedicated to protecting children at home, and offshore.

“The AFP is part of an extensive international law enforcement network effort to protect children and will help partners to track down anyone accused of causing them harm,” Ms Schofield said.

“Equally, those living offshore who have offended against Australian children should know the AFP is coming, and one by one we will work with our partners to bring you back to Australia to face our justice system.”

Originally published as AFP track down two New Zealand nationals on child sex charges