The Australian Federal Police have charged a Hunter man with several alleged child exploitation offences after he was arrested on Wednesday following a tip-off from the USA.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The 29-year-old was charged at Cessnock Police Station, but cannot be identified.
The investigation began last November when the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) received a referral from the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding an Australian user allegedly transmitting child abuse material via a cloud-based internet service.
Subsequent police inquiries by the ACCCE and AFP Child Protection Operations identified a NSW man as the alleged user of the service.
A search warrant was executed at the man's home on Wednesday, where he was arrested.
Several electronic items were seized during the warrant and will be subject to further forensic examination.
The man has been charged with one count of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth. and one count of production of child abuse material, contrary to section 91G of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
The maximum penalty for these offences is 15 and 14 years imprisonment respectively.
AFP Commander Investigations Eastern Command Kirsty Schofield said the arrest was a cumulative effort that demonstrated the AFP's commitment to stamping out child exploitation in the Australian community.
"No matter the circumstances, our investigators and analysts are always ready to step up and help catch these offenders and stop them from preying on the young and vulnerable members of our community." Commander Schofield said.
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
- Newcastle Rugby League given July 18 restart date by state governing body
- Hunter school expects 800 students to attend face to face classes next week
- Big spike in Hunter unemployed by April, Business NSW data indicates
- Newcastle coal loader wants annual limit lifted from 66 million tonnes to 79mt, while exporting 53mt
- Missing Macquarie Hills man found safe and well
- Woman charged after allegedly assaulting and spitting at officer at Teralba