Police have seized three laptop computers and an external hard drive that allegedly contained child abuse material. Photo: File.
Additional charges are expected to be laid against a 38-year-old man allegedly caught in possession of child abuse material.
After a lengthy investigation, yesterday’s (15 September) police operation saw the man arrested at his Ngunnawal home.
The investigation started in November 2019 when members of the ACT Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) received information regarding IP addresses being used to download child abuse material.
Yesterday JACET officers and a specialist canine team executed a search warrant at the Ngunnawal residence and seized three laptop computers and an external hard drive allegedly containing child abuse material.
The 38-year-old man was subsequently arrested.
Detective Sergeant Robert Rose from the ACT JACET said the battle against child exploitation continued to be a relentless focus for police.
“Despite lockdown restrictions, ACT Policing is continuing to target the online sexual exploitation of children,” Detective Sergeant Rose said.
“While National Child Protection week ended last week, our pursuit does not.
“We will continue to work tirelessly for outcomes like this one – every time we stop one person, it’s one less risk to children.”
The man has been charged with one count of possessing child abuse material and was bailed to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court at a later date.
Further analysis is being conducted on the devices seized and police expect to lay additional charges.
Conviction of these charges is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
Anyone with information regarding the accessing or creation of child exploitation material is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
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