A 30-year-old Adelaide man has faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court today on child exploitation charges.
The Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET-SA) – comprising members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the South Australian Police (SAPOL) – executed a search warrant at a Kilkenny address earlier today.
During the search, the man was arrested and a number of electronic devices suspected of containing child exploitation material were seized by police for evidentiary purposes.
The arrest follows a referral from the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Canadian Child Exploitation Coordination Centre (NCCECC) in March 2019.
AFP Crime Operations Coordinator, Superintendent Gail McClure, highlighted how the JACET-SA’s international relationships are having a significant impact at a local level.
“Today’s arrest is another example of our tireless work with domestic and international partners to identify and prosecute people involved in the access and distribution of child exploitation material,” Superintendent McClure said.
“To those thinking of accessing or sharing child exploitation material, know that it is not a victimless crime and you are supporting a vile industry. You will be caught eventually.”
The officer in charge of SAPOL Public Protection Branch, Detective Superintendent Mark Wieszyk, also recognises the joint agencies’ results.
“This is one of a number of significant results that the JACET-SA have achieved and shows the benefits of agencies working together to combat child exploitation,” Detective Superintendent Wieszyk said.
The man had his bail refused and will next appear in court on 29 August 2019 on the following charges:
- One count of using a carriage service to transmit child pornography material, contrary to Section 474.19 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
- One count of possession of child exploitation material, contrary to Section 63A of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) – Basic; and
- One count of Possession of child exploitation material, contrary to Section 63A of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) – Aggravated.
Members of the public who have any information regarding child exploitation material are urged to call Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
