AFP intelligence passed to the FBI has led to the arrest of an American man for an alleged sexual assault that was filmed and shared online.
The FBI’s action follows the AFP’s investigation into an Australian man for alleged online child abuse offences.
, after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Perth International Airport examined his belongings and allegedly found child abuse material stored inside a hidden folder on his mobile phone.
Following his arrest, AFP investigators executed a search warrant at the man’s Waikiki home in Perth’s northern suburbs, where they allegedly located child abuse material on a second mobile phone.
The phones were seized for further digital forensic analysis and investigators allegedly found a video of an unconscious adult victim being assaulted in a dental clinic.
The video was referred to the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation Victim Identification Team who identified it likely originated in the United States of America. AFP Victim Identification Specialists subsequently referred the video to the FBI.
As a result of the referral an Oklahoma man, 36, was arrested by Stillwater (Oklahoma) Police.
The man, who was working as a dental practice assistant, has been charged with forcible sodomy.
AFP Assistant Commissioner David McLean said the speed with which the information was passed on and actioned by authorities reflected the exceptional working relationship between the AFP and FBI.
“Despite the distance between the US and Australia, dedicated investigators in both countries are united in their commitment to protect the vulnerable. As demonstrated in this investigation, we will pursue justice wherever it leads,” AC McLean said.
“Close cooperation between police worldwide is essential for successfully combating crime and ensuring offenders get their day in court.
“AFP members are exposed to the worst content imaginable when combing through evidence in child exploitation and abuse cases. They do this to try to identify victims and ensure they are removed from harm or are provided dignity and assistance. I thank them for their diligence and determination to defend victims, wherever they are. They are relentless – and anyone trying to cloak themselves in darkness to commit crimes online should be warned – these specialists have a bright torch.
“The AFP, alongside partners around Australia and overseas, remain committed to stamping out crimes committed against those at-risk members of our communities.”
FBI Legal Attaché Nitiana Mann emphasised the importance of sharing information among law enforcement to combat crime across borders.
“Information sharing is a key aspect of the important relationships that the FBI builds, both internationally and domestically,” she said.
“We look forward to further coordination and would like to thank our partners, particularly the Australian Federal Police and the Stillwater Police Department, for their work in ensuring that the rule of law is followed.”
