This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Northern Territory Police.
A 70-year-old man has been charged with multiple child abuse offences and is scheduled to appear in Darwin Local Court today (14 October 2019).
In August 2019, the NSW Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (NSW-JACET) commenced an investigation into an online user allegedly discussing and transmitting child abuse material. A 70-year-old man was identified as the alleged online user.
The investigation revealed he was intending to travel to New South Wales to allegedly engage in sexual activity with a child. Police will allege in court that the travel was imminent.
Yesterday (13 October 2019), NSW-JACET in collaboration with Northern Territory Police, Australian Federal Police (AFP) Darwin members and NT-JACET conducted operational activity in Darwin City.
Police seized a mobile device and a number of electronic storage devices.
The 70-year-old man was arrested during the operational activity and charged with:
- One count of using a carriage service for child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years imprisonment.
- One count of using a carriage service to prepare or plan to cause harm to, engage in sexual activity with, or procure for sexual activity, persons under 16, contrary to section 474.25C of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years imprisonment.
- One count of using a carriage service to transmit child pornography, contrary to section 474.19 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth.). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years imprisonment.
- One count of possession of child abuse material, contrary to section 125B of the Criminal Code Act 1983 (NT). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years imprisonment.
AFP Detective Sergeant Jarryd Dunbar said this arrest was a result of cooperation between police in both New South Wales and Northern Territory to target the man who was suspected to have been committing criminal offences in both states.
“Intelligence sharing and operational flexibility is essential to both identifying the individuals driving this atrocious industry and ensuring those most vulnerable in our community are protected.”
“The AFP will not waiver in its commitment to hunting down the predators targeting and seeking to abuse children”, Detective Sergeant Dunbar said.
NT Police Detective Superintendent Hill said this should serve as a reminder to parents everywhere to be mindful of who their children are talking to online and ensure they create an environment where their children feel comfortable talking to them or another trusted adult about what they are doing online. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure our children are safe when they go online.
Members of the community who have information about persons involved in child abuse material are urged to report their suspicions through the ‘Report Child Abuse’ link of the AFP website, via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the social media provider (such as Twitter, Facebook etc).
