Detectives from the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) arrested a 25-year-old man in Fannie Bay on Friday afternoon for child abuse material.

Police executed a section 3E Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) Search Warrant on the man and seized a mobile phone.

Police will allege that the man’s mobile device contained a number of videos containing child abuse material. There was also evidence that the man had been in contact with up to ten children to attempt to procure further illicit photographs.

On 14 May 2021, Northern Territory and Australian Federal Police executed a further section 3E Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) Search Warrant on the man’s premises in the Darwin CBD. Police found a mobile device containing Child Abuse Material

The man has been charged with the following Commonwealth offences:

• 2 x counts of possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth)
• 1 x count of use carriage service to groom a person under 16 years, contrary to section 474.27 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth)

He has been remanded in custody to appear in Darwin Local Court on Monday 17 May 2021.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Paul Lawson said, “The behaviour is despicable. Young people should be able to enjoy their childhood without the fear of predators approaching them for their own appalling intentions. The Northern Territory JACET will continue to work with national and international partners to keep the most vulnerable in our community safe.”

AFP Detective Superintendent Child Protection Operations Paula Hudson said it was important that parents were aware of, and have spoken to their children about the dangers that face young people online.

“Please ensure there is ongoing communication between you and your children so they know they can approach you if something goes wrong. Resources such as the ACCCE Seven day Online Safety Challenge can help parents and children know the best ways to protect yourself online.”

Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the ‘Report Abuse’ button at www.accce.gov.au/report.