‘Paedophile network’ dismantled as three children are rescued and 45 suspected perpetrators are prosecuted – as police raid 61 residences and disclose horrifying evidence.
In a nationwide sweep, three children were rescued and 45 West Australians were charged.
A week-long operation yielded sixty search warrants and 45 indictments for 149 offenses.
Three youngsters were rescued from alleged continuing child sex abuse during the operation.
The police seized 35,222 photos and films of child exploitation.
Three children have been rescued, and 45 West Australians have been prosecuted in connection with a paedophile network, after police conducted a nationwide manhunt.
The Australian Federal Police, WA Police, and Australian Border Force spent a week executing more than 60 search warrants across Western Australia, targeting accused offenders involved in the production, distribution, and possession of child exploitation material.
During their week-long investigation, police discovered a number of disturbing findings, charging 45 individuals with 149 offenses and seizing 35,222 photographs and videos of child exploitation material.
In a heartbreaking but significant event, authorities rescued three children allegedly subjected to chronic sexual assault.
During the crackdown, police confiscated 35,222 photographs and videos of child exploitation.
Three children have been rescued, and 45 West Australians have been prosecuted in connection with a paedophile network, after police conducted a nationwide manhunt.
In 2021, the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), which is managed by the AFP, received more than 33,000 allegations of child exploitation, which is double the number of reports received the year before.
AFP Detective Superintendent Graeme Marshall stated that the arrests demonstrated how law enforcement would identify, arrest, and prosecute sexual predators, and he issued a warning to the public.
He stated, “These numbers demonstrate the scope of the problem and the necessity for everyone in the community – parents, schools, and caregivers – to be vigilant.”
“This is a warning to anyone who creates or distributes child abuse material: you will be caught.
Detective Superintendent Gordon Fairman from the WA Police Sex Crime Division said protecting children from sexual abuse was of the highest concern.
“Those who produce, distribute, or possess Child Exploitation Material may assume they are anonymous by hiding behind a computer,” he explained.
Permit me to inform you that they are not. This operation demonstrates that we can identify them, locate them, and prosecute them.’
The AFP, WA Police, and Australian Border Force spent a week targeting accused child exploitation material manufacturers, distributors, and possessors.
The coordinated effort resulted in the execution of over 60 search warrants throughout the state.
During their week-long hunt, police found a lot of shocking finds and charged 45 individuals with 149 offenses.
Together with our State, Commonwealth, and international partners, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) remains dedicated to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those who seek to exploit and harm the most vulnerable members of our community – our children.
Coincides with the beginning of National Child Protection Week (NCPW).
The campaign runs from September 4 to September 10 and highlights the right of all Australian children to grow up in a safe environment.
More to come