Wangaratta man's arrest leads to alleged child abuse syndicate bust

An international joint investigation sparked by the arrest of a 43-year-old Wangaratta man in September has led to the apprehension of three alleged child abuse facilitators and rescue of 11 children removed from harm in the Philippines. An Australian Federal Police (AFP) spokesperson said the investigation began in September this year when Australia Border Force members searched the Wangaratta man upon his arrival at Melbourne airport. He was allegedly found to be in possession of child abuse material with authorities locating information relating to a suspected child abuse syndicate in the Philippines. A search warrant was executed at his home on 1 October where police members seized electronic devices and printed images depicting child abuse material. The AFP subsequently charged the man with child abuse offences including the live streaming of abuse. The 43-year-old was bailed on strict conditions and is set to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 6 February for committal mention. A forensic search of the devices allegedly identified further online chats with persons located in the Philippines facilitating the live stream abuse of children. The Wangaratta man is accused of transferring payments to the child abuse facilitators in Mati City to view the abuse online in real time. This intelligence was assessed by Victorian Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) members and referred to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for investigation. On the back of the intelligence received by the AFP, the PNP executed search warrants at three properties in Mati City on 5 December where 11 children were removed from harm. Two women and one man were arrested by the PNP for offences against the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act. AFP Manila Post Detective Sergeant Leesa Alexander said the cooperation between AFP and PNP was critical to removing children from harm and bringing offenders to justice. “The working relationship between our law enforcement agencies is a testament to investigators in the AFP and PNP,” Det Sgt Alexander said. “The sharing of resources and intelligence allows us to remove children from harm and stop offenders – regardless of the country they are in. “We remain committed to ensure the safety and protection of children – no matter where they are in the world.” PNP Police Brigadier General Sheila Portento said the lives of these 11 children had been changed as a result of the strong partnership between the PNP and AFP. “We will continue to share intelligence and support cross-jurisdictional investigations to identify and stop those who seek to harm children,” Brigadier General Portento said. Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now, or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000. If you, or someone you know, is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.

Wangaratta man's arrest leads to alleged child abuse syndicate bust

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