A Wangaratta man is facing charges of possession and soliciting child abuse material from the Philippines via a messaging service after he was arrested upon his return to Australia.
Australian Border Force (ABF) police members searched the 43-year-old when he arrived at Melbourne International Airport on a flight from Croatia via Singapore on 27 September.
Officers allegedly located child abuse images on his mobile phone.
He was arrested and charged with possessing and soliciting child abuse material and released.
Last week Australian Federal Police (AFP) Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team members searched the man’s Wangaratta home on 1 October and seized a hard drive and printed images depicting child abuse material.
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These will be the subject of further forensic examination.
AFP Detective Sergeant Scott Amjah said anyone asking for child abuse material was committing a serious offence and enabling heinous acts upon children.
“Every online action is traceable, and the AFP works tirelessly to find those in possession of, or soliciting, this kind of material,” he said.
“If you possess, solicit, share or create child abuse, expect a knock on the door from us and to be put before the courts.”
ABF Acting Superintendent Costas Karatzas said officers would continue to work alongside law enforcement partners to target individuals who attempt to bring child abuse material across Australia’s border.
“Offenders who think they can hide this material from ABF officers should think again,” he said.
“The ABF has zero tolerance for those who exploit children, and we will continue to identify and intercept those engaged in this abhorrent activity.”
The 43-year-old faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 3 October, and he will reappear before the court on 6 February next year for committal mention.
The AFP and ABF advised members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE).
If you know abuse is happening right now, or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.
If you, or someone you know, is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.
