Australian Border Force officials made the original detection of alleged child abuse material at Sydney Airport. Photo: ABF.
A Far South Coast man has been charged with a raft of offences after Australian Border Force officers allegedly found child abuse material on his phone.
The 58-year-old was originally arrested on 3 August after he was selected for baggage examination when he landed at Sydney Airport.
ABF officers allegedly found child abuse material during a digital device examination. A further analysis by Australian Federal Police officers allegedly confirmed the presence of AI-generated child abuse material that featured the man.
He was charged with two offences and was granted conditional bail when he appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on 4 August.
A search warrant was then executed at his home on 8 August, where AFP and NSW Police seized a USB and desktop computer.
A preliminary review of both devices allegedly revealed more than 1000 images and videos classified as child abuse material.
These allegedly included material involving children as young as one being exploited or sexually abused, as well as bestiality material.
The man was charged with a further three offences and appeared in Parramatta Local Court on 9 August.
In all, he’s now been charged with one count of produce child abuse material, one count of possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, one count of possessing child abuse material, one count of possessing bestiality material and one count of failing to comply with a bail acknowledgement.
He’s next scheduled to appear before Parramatta Local Court on 30 September.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Luke Needham said any material that showed the exploitation or abuse of children was illegal.
“Online simulations, fantasy, text-based stories, animations and cartoons, or material which is created using AI are all illegal,” he said.
“Producing and possessing this material, even by AI, normalises this behaviour and contributes to the harm of children.
“The AFP and its partners will not rest until alleged perpetrators are apprehended and put before the courts.”
ABF Superintendent Elke West said ABF officers had been detecting and identifying child abuse material on a “regular basis”.
“All child abuse material is abhorrent … ABF prioritises intelligence-driven data and targeting to stop offenders in their tracks,” she said.
“The alleged possession and digital AI-curation of this content is highly concerning, and a trend our officers at entry points across the country are extremely vigilant of.”
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on triple zero.
If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.
Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at the ThinkUKnow website, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
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