- Man arrested at Sydney airport
- Child pornography material found in luggage
A man returning from the Philippines has been arrested at Sydney Airport after police allegedly found evidence of overseas child grooming.
The 59-year-old, from Lurnea in Sydney’s south-west, was arrested on Friday for a luggage search, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Australian Border Police officers reportedly found child abuse material and conversations on his phone, leading police to arrest the man at the airport.
“AFP officers interviewed the man and he reportedly admitted to taking part in the conversations,” an AFP spokesman said.
The 59-year-old, from Lurnea in Sydney’s south-west, was arrested on Friday for a luggage search, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said.
Police will allege he groomed someone abroad in an attempt to sexually abuse a child.
He was charged with offenses including using a carriage service to obtain child abuse material and grooming a person to facilitate engaging in sexual activity with a child outside Australia.
AFP Detective Acting Chief Inspector Nicole Kenny said the force was committed to protecting children in Australia and abroad.
“Our message to online perpetrators has not changed: if you purchase, access and send child abuse material, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted,” she said.
‘Anyone who views this material is committing a crime.
Australian Border Police officers reportedly found child abuse material and child abuse conversations on his phone, leading police to arrest the man at the airport
“Whether the victim is in Australia or abroad – the AFP and its partners will work to protect the most vulnerable of our society – our children – from anyone who wishes to harm them.
The man was taken into custody on Sunday and will appear in court in Sydney. These offenses carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.