Sydney man charged with possessing child abuse material to front court

A Sydney man is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today, facing charges related to child sexual abuse material. The 58-year-old man, from Coogee, was arrested on December 11, 2024, and charged with one count of soliciting child abuse material and one count of possessing child abuse material.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) will allege that between May 2021 and October 2024, the man sent himself more than 600 files, including child sexual abuse material. He allegedly sent these files through an encrypted communication platform. The case came to light on December 3, when the man was selected for a baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers upon arriving in Sydney from the United Arab Emirates.

Digital examinations of the man's mobile phone and laptop, conducted by Border Force officers, revealed child sexual abuse material on December 10. Subsequently, the AFP's Child Protection Operations team launched an investigation, and on December 11, they executed a search warrant at the man's Coogee residence. Police seized a bag containing approximately 25 video tapes, a laptop, and three hard drives, two of which appeared to be damaged.

The man was arrested on December 11 and refused bail when he appeared in Waverley Local Court on December 12. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment for the two charges relating to child sexual abuse material.

AFP Detective Inspector Emmanuel Tsardoulias stated, "Our message to offenders hasn't changed – if you obtain, access and share child abuse material, you will be detected, arrested and prosecuted." Australian Border Force Superintendent Elke West reiterated this warning, adding, "Those who seek to exploit children should heed our warning: you will be caught."