(LAWFUERL) – A 19-year-old North Lakes man has been charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with a range of online child exploitation offences.
As a result of information provided by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with AFP information, Federal Agents executed a search warrant yesterday in North Lakes, Queensland. CDs and DVDs, a laptop and two computer hard drives were seized.
The man was arrested at the premises and has been charged with thirteen
offences:
• Two counts of using a carriage service to access child pornography
material, contrary to section 474.19 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
• Possessing, controlling, producing, supplying or obtaining child
pornography material for use through a carriage service, contrary to
section 474.20 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
• Using a carriage service to access child abuse material, contrary to
section 474.22 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
• Two counts of using a carriage service to procure persons under 16
years of age to engage in or submit to sexual activity, contrary to
section 474.26 (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
• Six counts of unauthorised access to, modification of or impairment with intent to commit a serious offence, namely using a carriage service to procure persons under 16 years of age to engage in or submit to sexual
activity, contrary to section 477.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
• Possess child exploitation material, contrary to section 228D of the
Queensland Criminal Code 1899 (Qld).
AFP National Manager High Tech Crime Operations Neil Gaughan said all online users, but particularly young people, should be aware that there are very real dangers on the Internet. “Just as you would in the real world, if you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone, then leave the conversation,” Commander Gaughan said. “The person you’re talking to may seem friendly enough, but they may not have your best interests at heart.” “The AFP is working closely with its international partners to combat online child exploitation, but the best method of protecting yourself is prevention.”
Parents, teachers and carers can find out more about protecting children online
at www.thinkuknow.org.au.
Visit our website at www.afp.gov.au for all the latest information on the Australian Federal Police
The man is due to appear in Pine Rivers Magistrates Court today.
The maximum penalty for these offences is 15 years imprisonment.
