A 57-year-old man from New South Wales has been charged with transmitting child abuse material through an instant messaging application. The man, currently residing in Western Australia, was scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on November 7, 2025. This development follows an investigation initiated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in August 2025.
The case began when officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted the man at Perth Airport on August 19, 2025, after he arrived on an international flight. During the inspection, ABF officers allegedly discovered child abuse material on the man’s mobile phone, prompting them to report the findings to the AFP. Investigators subsequently seized the device and commenced a thorough examination.
Forensic analysis of the phone revealed numerous sexualised conversations with an unknown user on the messaging platform. These conversations included the sharing of images and videos containing child abuse material, as well as deleted content related to bestiality. As a result, the man was charged with one count of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material, in violation of section 474.22(1)(a)(ii) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offense is 15 years’ imprisonment.
Commitment to Child Protection
AFP Acting Inspector Fleur Jennings emphasized the agency’s dedication to collaborating with law enforcement partners to safeguard children from online predators. “We work so closely with other agencies to keep children safe from harm and put alleged offenders before the court,” said Acting Inspector Jennings. She warned individuals involved in such crimes that the AFP’s relentless investigators would pursue and prosecute them.
ABF Superintendent John Eldridge highlighted the importance of targeted intelligence in identifying individuals potentially connected to harmful activities. “Unfortunately, our officers are detecting child abuse material on the devices of passengers far too regularly,” Superintendent Eldridge remarked. He assured the public that the ABF would continue to act decisively with partners when such material is discovered.
The AFP and its collaborators are committed to combatting child exploitation and abuse. The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) is at the forefront of this effort, fostering a national strategy that brings together specialist expertise. The ACCCE supports investigations into online child sexual exploitation while developing prevention strategies aimed at creating a safer online environment.
Members of the public who possess information about individuals involved in child abuse are encouraged to contact the ACCCE. In situations where abuse is occurring or a child is at risk, authorities advise calling the police immediately on 000. Those impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation can access available support services. Additionally, parents and caregivers seeking guidance on how to protect children online can visit the ThinkUKnow website, an AFP-led educational initiative designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
