By Jonathan Ferreira
Australian police have charged a 27-year-old man with hundreds of child abuse-related offences after alleging he targeted children online across Australia and at least 15 other countries.
Queensland Police said the man, who has been in custody since February last year, faces a total of 596 charges linked to the abuse of 459 children. Investigators allege he used social media platforms and online gaming sites to groom, coerce and exploit young victims over several years.
Police say they uncovered more than 23,000 images and videos of child abuse material on the man’s electronic devices. The sheer volume of content meant that identifying victims required extensive time and specialist effort, according to Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark.
So far, 360 victims have been identified, with investigations continuing to locate and support the remaining children. More than 200 of the victims are believed to be in Australia, with others based overseas, mainly in English-speaking countries. Most of the children were boys aged between seven and 15.
Authorities allege the man created multiple online identities, posing as both men and women, and operated between 2018 and 2025. Police say he recorded his interactions with victims and meticulously organised the material into labelled folders.
The charges include producing child abuse material using a carriage service, using a carriage service to procure children under 16, and engaging in sexual activity with a child via online platforms. All alleged offending took place online, police said, and further suspects may still be under investigation.
Detective Superintendent Clark warned of the growing prevalence of children being groomed or threatened into producing explicit material through popular apps, games and social media platforms.
“The trauma this causes children is significant and long-lasting,” he said, adding that police were working with international partners to ensure victims receive appropriate care and support.
The accused is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
