International co-operation leads to Karratha man charged with grooming and child exploitation offences
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and WA Police.
A Western Australia Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) investigation has resulted in a 28-year-old Karratha man being charged with numerous child exploitation offences.
The investigation began earlier this year following a referral from a US based local law enforcement agency.
It will be alleged in court the man was engaging online with children and encouraging them to participate in online sexual activity.
The man was arrested as his place of work yesterday (Tuesday, 3 May 2016) and searches of his home and vehicle were conducted.
The man was subsequently charged with numerous offences including:
- intent to expose a person believed to be under 13 years of age to indecent matter;
- intent to procure a person believed to be under 13 years of age for sexual activity;
- intent to expose a person believed to be under 16 years of age to indecent matter;
- intent to procure a person believed to be under 16 years of age for sexual activity; and
- possessing and distributing child exploitation material.
Commander Glen McEwen, Australian Federal Police Manager of Victim Based Crime said this type of offending, is devastating for a victim and their families. There is no delineation between online offending and contact offending in this regard.
“The reality of the internet is that alleged offenders such as this can engage and influence children across the globe. However, law enforcement information sharing across international jurisdictions is stronger than ever, demonstrated by the arrest that occurred yesterday,” said Commander McEwen.
Acting Detective Inspector Gary Saunders of the WA Police Sex Crime Division said “Policing the online environment can be difficult and complex, and arrests such as this are achieved through the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies. It is a timely reminder for parents to monitor and supervise their child’s internet use and to reinforce cyber safety with their children.”
The man was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in the Karratha Magistrates Court today (Wednesday 4 May 2016).
ThinkUKnow is the AFP’s free cyber safety education program, delivered in Western Australia by WA Police focusing on the risks of online grooming and inappropriate behaviours online. For more information or to book a presentation visit www.thinkuknow.org.au.
Further information regarding cyber safety can be found at www.esafety.gov.au.
Media Enquiries
WA Police Media: (08) 9222 1011
AFP National Media: (02) 6131 6333
NOTE FOR MEDIA: CHILD EXPLOITATION IMAGES, NOT ‘CHILD PORNOGRAPHY’
Use of the phrase ‘child pornography’ actually benefits child sex abusers:
- It indicates legitimacy and compliance on the part of the victim and therefore legality on the part of the abuser
- It conjures up images of children posing in ‘provocative’ positions, rather than suffering horrific abuse
- Every photograph captures an actual situation where a child has been sexually abused.
It is not voluntary and is a crime scene. This is not pornography.
Note: The term has been used within the media release to reflect current legislation.