14 children rescued after alleged online child sex abuse network busted by Australian Federal Police

·

Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested nine men in relation to an alleged child abuse network that was filmed, photographed and shared online.

Releasing details of the investigation it said operated across three states, the AFP said 40 charges had been laid.

At least 14 children have been removed from harmful situations. The investigation began in February after a tip-off from US authorities.

Two men aged in their 20s were arrested yesterday on the New South Wales Mid North Coast and have each been charged with offences relating to the harm and exploitation of children.

AFP officers have made a series of arrests as part of Operation Arkstone. Photo: The ABC

The AFP will allege the pair were part of an online network that abused Australian children and recorded the crimes to share with others.

Police said the arrests were linked to alleged criminal activity across New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.

Assistant Commissioner Lesa Gale described the investigation as the biggest and “most horrific” child-exploitation ring uncovered in Australia to date.

She said the investigation involved dozens of specialist operators working around the country who obtained tens of thousands of images.

“Operation Arkstone has shaken some of our most seasoned officers,” Assistant Commissioner Gale said.

“A total of 40 charges have been laid, with three of the men facing life imprisonment.

“The victims are getting younger and younger [and] this type of offending is becoming more violent and brazen. It takes a network to break a network and to this end, we want to thank our police partners.”

Five other men were arrested in New South Wales, while the remaining two men were arrested in Queensland and Western Australia.

Assistant Commissioner Lesa Gale stands behind a lectern.
Assistant Commissioner Lesa Gale says the investigation has shaken some of our most seasoned officers.(Supplied: Australian Federal Police)

Assistant Commissioner Gale said all victims were boys, aged between four and seven years old.

It’s understood the men met on the dark web — an area of the internet favoured by criminals for its claimed anonymity — and then communicated on an encrypted app.

Police said more alleged abusers associated with the network were yet to be uncovered.

“We are painstakingly reviewing material [with] Interpol-trained victim-identification experts, noting every pixel from evidence,” Assistant Commissioner Gale said.

Sourced By: The ABC

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

80-year-old sole resident of Kinaros island gifted donkey as a companion

The sole resident of Greece's remote Kinaros island - 80-year-old Mrs Rinio - recently received an unexpected gift in the form of a donkey.

Thanasi Kokkinakis upset gives Australia shock Davis Cup win over US

A nail-biting win for Thanasi Kokkinakis has led Australia into the semi-finals of the Davis Cup in Spain.

Capturing legacies: The proika exhibition’s emotional tribute to Greek migrants

On Wednesday, November 20, the proika exhibition opened to a crowd of eager guests at the Thematikos x MBO Tailors creative space.

Golden Era Gala: A reunion with a cause to combat brain and rare cancers

White Pearl Foundation and Cquence Foundation have announced the Golden Era Gala to be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on November 30.

Melbourne scientist Steven Petratos offers hope to thousands with multiple sclerosis

The image of Steven Petratos’ grandfather, confined to a chair with trembling hands, left an indelible mark on his childhood.

You May Also Like

Young lawyer Elle Belekas named finalist in the Law Society of NSW Awards

Young lawyer at MinterEllison, Elle Belekas, finalist in the ‘Early Career Lawyer of the Year’ category of the Law Society of NSW Awards.

Mitsotakis marks Independence Day: The enemy is now the pandemic

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has marked the anniversary of Independence Day by delivering a message of unity and resilience in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Greece’s Prime Minister thanks world leaders for support in wake of train crash

Greece's Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has thanked world leaders for their support after a train crash killed at least 57 people.