Detectives charge 49yo, 58yo Sunshine Coast men with online child exploitation offences

A Sunshine Coast teacher has been arrested and charged with one count of using the internet to procure a child under 16.

A Sunshine Coast teacher has been charged with child exploitation offences after trying to procure a child online.

The teacher has been charged with one count of using the internet to procure a child under 16.

Detectives from Taskforce Argos arrested the man on Saturday at his home and seized his devices.

Police will allege the man used a social media platform to procure a child for sexual acts.

The 58-year-old teacher was released on strict bail conditions and will face Maroochydore Magistrates Court on July 14.

Meanwhile, another man – a 49-year-old from Nambour – was arrested by Taskforce Argos detectives on Monday and charged with using the internet to access child abuse material and the possession of child exploitation material.

Footage showing the arrest of two men alleged to have sexually exploited children online. Photo: QPS

Police allege he had used the internet to access child abuse material, and his electronics were also seized for further examination.

He was granted bail and is expected to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on July 7.

Detective Acting Inspector Cameron Burke said the arrest highlighted the risk posed to children by online predators.

He urged parents and caregivers to take active and ongoing measures around online safety.

Footage showing the arrest of two men alleged to have sexually exploited children online. Photo: QPS

Footage showing the arrest of two men alleged to have sexually exploited children online. Photo: QPS

“Predators are constantly adapting to new platforms and technologies, which is why a whole-of-community response is crucial,” Detective Acting Inspector Burke said.

“Every app, game, or messaging service a child uses can be a potential contact for harm if not supervised.”

He noted parents and caregivers do not need to be tech experts, but should be engaged.

“Understanding the apps children use, the settings, supervising and keeping the lines of communication open are the key to prevention,” he said.

“Argos investigators are committed to targeting those offenders involved in the sexual exploitation of children and the possession or distribution of child exploitation material and will use all available resources to detect and apprehend those who seek to exploit children in our community.

A spokeswoman from the Department of Education said the teacher was no longer working at the school.

“Protecting the safety and wellbeing of students is the top priority of the Department of Education,” the spokeswoman said.

“After being made aware of the charges by Queensland Police, immediate steps were taken to stop the employee working at any state school.

“We are unable to comment further on the matter given that it’s a current police investigation.

“Active steps have been taken to inform the school community and provide support with correspondence to parents sent on Tuesday.

“Guidance support is in place for any students and staff that may require assistance.

“Parents and care givers with concerns are encouraged to discuss them with the school principal.”

Originally published as Detectives charge 49yo, 58yo Sunshine Coast men with online child exploitation offences