CANBERRA, ACT, April 30 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
Editor's Note: Arrest vision and imagery available via Hightail
A Hunter region man is expected to face the NSW Bail Division Court today (30 April, 2026) charged with soliciting, accessing and possessing child abuse material.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted the man, 27, and conducted a routine examination of his luggage at Sydney International Airport on 8 November, 2025, following his return to Australia on a flight from Japan.
During an examination of the man's mobile phone, ABF officers allegedly located suspected child abuse material. The matter was reported to the AFP for further investigation.
The device was seized by the AFP for further digital forensic analysis.
Following analysis of the seized device, the AFP yesterday (29 April, 2026) executed search warrant at a house in Raymond Terrace where police located and seized further electronic devices, as well as a gel-blaster.
The 27-year-old was arrested and charged with:
* Use carriage service to solicit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
* Use carriage service to access child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
* Possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is 15 years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the AFP remained unwavering in its pursuit of anyone involved in child exploitation.
"This investigation sends a very clear message. If you engage in the possession or distribution of child abuse material, you will be caught," Det-Supt Needham said
"Law enforcement will relentlessly pursue and take action against those who offend against society's most vulnerable."
ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker said ABF officers worked closely with law enforcement and other border agency partners to detect and intercept material that posed serious harm, to ensure it did not enter our community.
"This outcome highlights the value of collaboration and intelligence sharing across border and law enforcement agencies," Supt Baker said.
"There is no place for abhorrent child abuse material in our community, and ABF officers remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
