A Chinese national planning to study early childhood education in Australia had his student visa cancelled this week after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers discovered child abuse material on his mobile phone.
The man arrived at Adelaide International Airport from China on 23 February 2026. During a routine baggage check, ABF officers allegedly found 21 videos considered child abuse material, prohibited under Regulation 4A of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.
He was issued a $660 infringement notice, had his visa cancelled, and was detained before being removed from Australia on the next available flight.
ABF Inspector Mark Vaughan described the discovery as “deeply concerning,” highlighting the risks posed by someone intending to work with children.
“Tackling child abuse is a core part of the ABF’s role in protecting some of the most vulnerable in our community,” Inspector Vaughan said.
“This kind of material has no place in Australia, and our officers remain vigilant at all airports.”
Between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025, ABF officers intercepted more than 435 potential child sex offenders at Australian airports.
In just the first two weeks of January 2026, 17 travellers were stopped with alleged child abuse material, resulting in visa cancellations and arrests.
Travellers whose visas are cancelled may face re-entry bans of up to three years, or in some cases, permanent exclusion from Australia.
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