Sunshine Coast doctor Tom Sun Yap charged with possessing child porn
A Sunshine Coast consultant paediatrician has been arrested and charged with possessing child exploitation material after an investigation by the Australian Federal Police.
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A Birtinya consultant paediatrician has been charged after an overseas tip off led to him being the target of an extensive Australian Federal Police investigation into child exploitation material.
Tom Sun Yap, 43, did not appear for his first mention in Maroochydore Magistrates Court where he was charged with several child porn offences.
The investigation into Mr Yap began in May 2022 when the AFP received information from the United States’ National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about an online user uploading child abuse material using Yahoo and Google accounts.
Investigators from the Australian Federal Police in Brisbane allegedly linked Mr Yap to the associated accounts.
A raid on his Birtinya home on May 18, 2022 led to investigators seizing a laptop, mobile phone, USB and printed images to be forensically examined.
Mr Yap’s matter was heard in Maroochydore Magistrates Court and was adjourned to August 26, 2022.
He will return to court on charges 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.
According to LinkedIn Mr Yap had been working as a consultant paediatrician at the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service for more than seven years.
A health service spokeswoman confirmed Mr Yap had been suspended from practising by their health service and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
“Consultant paediatricians are never alone with a patient,” she said.
“There is always a nurse, parent or junior doctor in attendance.
“As this matter is before the court, we are unable to comment further.”
In a statement released by the Health Ombudsman Mr Yap’s registration as a medical practitioner was suspended on June 15, 2022.
“The suspension of registration means that Tom Sun Yap is prohibited from practising as a medical practitioner for the duration of the suspension,” the statement said.
“Parents who may have concerns about their child’s care can phone Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service on 5202 4200.”
Sergeant Bianca Warland said the federal police, together with its state and territory law enforcement partners, 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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