The arrest of a Tasmanian man for alleged online child abuse offences has led to the rescue of six children in the Philippines and the arrests of two women.
An international child sexual abuse investigation led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) began in April following the arrest of the 41-year-old from Kings Meadows.
During a search of the man’s home a month prior, the AFP found child abuse images and videos, as well as messages with a person believed to be facilitating the sale of child abuse material.
Investigators were led to believe that the facilitator and child victims were located in the Philippines after analysing his seized phone.
A second man, also 41, was arrested by the AFP at Melbourne Airport in April after child abuse material was allegedly found on his phone upon his arrival in Australia from the Philippines.
Intelligence gathered from both investigations was shared with the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Centre (PICACC) and AFP investigators based in Manila, who identified links between the cases and victims connected to both men.
On November 14, the Philippine National Police (PNP) executed search warrants in the Cagayan De Oro region in the southern Philippines, leading to the arrest of two women aged 43 and 23.
The women have been charged with human trafficking and child abuse material offences, each of which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The six children rescued from the operations included a two-year-old.
AFP Manila Liaison Officer Detective Sergeant Daisie Beckensall said the case highlighted the strength of the AFP’s international network.
“The rescues and arrests are a powerful reminder of why the AFP works closely with partners around the globe, to share intelligence and the resources necessary to target anyone who preys on children,” she said.
“These children’s lives have been irrecoverably damaged and we know there are too many other children still at risk.”
Both men are facing several child abuse charges and are expected to be sentenced in the coming months.
