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

Pope Francis dies aged 88 after 12 years leading the Catholic Church

Pope Francis has died aged 88. His papacy was marked by reform, humility, and efforts to modernise the Catholic Church.

Thousands join Archbishop Makarios of Australia for Resurrection Service in Sydney

Archbishop Makarios led the Holy Saturday Service in Kogarah, Sydney, with thousands of faithful attending the Easter celebration.

Greek Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter

Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter, highlighting Greece’s commitment to border security.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis reflects on faith and resilience in Easter message

Kyriakos Mitsotakis shares his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on global challenges and the enduring hope of the Resurrection.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia issues Easter Message for 2025

Archbishop Makarios of Australia has released his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on the impact of loneliness.

You May Also Like

Ioannis Ktistakis elected judge to the European Court of Human Rights

Ioannis Ktistakis, an Associated Professor of Law at Democritus University, has been elected as judge to the European Court of Human Rights.

‘Very high chance’: Senior Constable sparks hope for missing grandfather Christos Pittas

There is still "a very high chance" that Christos Pittas, could still be alive despite freezing conditions, police say.

Stefanos Tsitsipas to face Thanasi Kokkinakis in US Open first round

Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas will face Greek Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in his US Open first round.