An Australian man has been given an 18-month prison sentence for trying to bring in child abuse material. Last June, the 29-year-old arrived at Perth International Airport from London. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers decided to check his luggage. While examining his bags, they also went through his phone, where they found images and videos of child abuse.
The investigators discovered illegal content hidden in ‘hidden’ folders and the deleted folder on his phone. They also found group chats where child abuse material was being shared. Further investigations uncovered 290 videos and 113 images showing child abuse, some featuring children as young as two.
The man was found guilty of importing tier 2 goods containing child abuse material, which violates section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act (Cth). His sentence was decided at Perth District Court on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. He must serve eight months of his 18-month sentence and remain on good behavior for the remaining ten months.
ABF Inspector Matthew Anthony emphasized the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on child abuse material. “Creating, sharing, and possessing child abuse material deeply affects the lives of victimized children,” Inspector Anthony said. “We will not hesitate to prosecute anyone involved in this heinous trade.”
