A 29 year old Indian man has been arrested at Melbourne Airport after allegedly attempting to import child pornography into Australia.
On 25 August 2019, Australian Border Force (ABF) selected the man for a baggage examination after he arrived on a flight from Brunei.
As part of the baggage examination, ABF officers inspected the man’s mobile phone. During their inspection of the man’s phone, several child exploitation videos were discovered.
ABF officers arrested the man and charged him with importing Tier 2 goods contrary to Section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901. The man was taken to the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court where he made no application for bail. He appeared in the same court today, 30 August 2019, where he made no application for bail and was remanded in custody, to re-appear on 15 November 2019.
ABF Regional Commander for Victoria and Tasmania, Craig Palmer said the ABF is committed to detecting and seizing this type of material.
“The ABF will not tolerate attempts to import objectionable and offensive materials. Our very strong message to anyone thinking about doing so is that you will be caught, arrested and charged.” Regional Commander Craig Palmer said.
“We are seeing this sort of abhorrent activity regularly, and those involved should know they will face the full force of the law.”
People with information about the importation and export of child exploitation material should contact Border Watch at www.australia.gov.au/borderwatch. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia’s border. Information can be provided anonymously.
