A 26-year-old Philippines national has been sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three years, for multiple child sex abuse-related offences following an Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation.
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer said the AFP remained committed to working with law enforcement agencies globally to protect children.
“We are dedicated to combatting the global threat posed by individuals who exploit and abuse children,” Det-Supt Telfer said.
“We urge parents and carers to have open conversations about online safety and to be aware of the social media platforms, apps, and games their children use to help prevent them from becoming victims.”
The man, who resides in Brisbane on a residency visa, was sentenced in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Friday (28 February 2025) after pleading guilty to six charges in January. His visa may be cancelled upon completion of his prison term.
The Queensland Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET)—comprising the AFP and Queensland Police Service—commenced an investigation in May 2023 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined the man’s belongings upon his arrival at Brisbane Airport from Manila, Philippines.
ABF officers discovered child abuse material on the man’s mobile phone and referred the matter to JACET. AFP investigators subsequently arrested the man and identified recordings of him engaging in sexual activity with four children, aged between nine and 15, on social media platforms. The offences occurred over a six-month period in 2022.
The man pleaded guilty to the following offences:
- Two counts of persistent sexual abuse of a child outside Australia, contrary to sections 272.11(1) and 272.9(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- One count of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16 years of age, contrary to section 474.25A(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- One count of engaging in sexual activity with a child outside Australia, contrary to section 272.9 of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- One count of making child exploitation material, contrary to section 228B(1) of the Criminal Code (Qld); and
- One count of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth).
ABF Superintendent Amanda Coppleman said ABF officers played a crucial role in detecting and preventing child exploitation offences.
“ABF officers work tirelessly to identify individuals attempting to smuggle child abuse material into Australia,” Supt Coppleman said.
“This case highlights the importance of our frontline officers in disrupting the activities of offenders before they can cause harm to children. We will continue to collaborate with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to ensure those who exploit children are brought to justice.”
The AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation is committed to preventing, identifying, and investigating child exploitation and abuse.
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