A 21-year-old “reportable offender” from the state’s north-west has been charged with multiple serious offences including child exploitation and grooming.
The man was arrested by specialist detectives from the Community Protection Offender Registry Compliance Team following an ongoing investigation.
He faces eight charges including possession of child exploitation material, possession of bestiality material, two counts of grooming with intent to procure a child for sexual abuse, two indecent acts directed at a young person and four counts of failing to comply with reporting obligations.
The accused was remanded in custody and will appear in Devonport Magistrates Court on June 15.
Tasmania Police said the case demonstrates the ongoing threat of online child abuse.
“Tasmania Police, with the support of its partners, is committed to interrupting these crimes and keeping our children safe,” police said.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnesses suspicious online behaviour to report it immediately.
Those who believe a child is in immediate danger should call triple-zero, while other concerns can be reported to police on 131 444.
Reports can also be made online to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation or anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000.
Support services are available for victim survivors through Arch Tasmania and the state government’s Keeping Children Safe website.
