The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has charged nine people with more than 30 online child abuse offences following a two-week national crackdown supported by the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
AFP Commander Brett James stressed the devastating impact of these crimes. “Creating, possessing and sharing child abuse material is not a victimless crime,” Commander James said.
“Perpetrators are indifferent to the harm they cause and only motivated by their abhorrent desires. Our message has not changed—if you commit these crimes, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted.”
Between 28 August and 11 September 2025, more than 140 officers executed 15 search warrants across metropolitan Sydney, the Central Coast and Wollongong as part of Operation Titan. The blitz came as reports of child exploitation continue to surge, with the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) receiving more than 82,700 reports in the past financial year—a 41 per cent rise from 2023–2024.
Among those arrested was a Wyongah man accused of paying for live online child sexual abuse involving minors offshore on three occasions. Police seized more than 50 electronic devices, including phones, laptops, USBs and hard drives, which will undergo forensic examination. None of those charged are currently employed in roles with access to children.
The accused face offences carrying maximum penalties of between 10 and 20 years’ imprisonment.
NSW Police Force Detective Acting Superintendent Rachel Fawcett praised investigators for their tireless work.
“Every successful operation and arrest is a step toward a safer digital environment, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice and protecting our children,” she said.
ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker added that Border Force officers play a critical frontline role. “Increasing awareness around child abuse material ensures we are not masking the taboo topic anymore—this year’s theme highlights shifting conversation into action,” Supt Baker said.
“We will always prioritise keeping children out of harm’s way.”
The arrests coincided with the close of National Child Protection Week (7–13 September), underscoring the agencies’ joint commitment to tackling online child exploitation.
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