Child porn charges as man nabbed at airport

A Harristown man has been charged with three offences dealing with online child abuse material following a baggage examination at Brisbane International Airport earlier this month.

The Brisbane Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team charged the 25-year-old man on May 4, after Australian Border Force officers selected him for a baggage examination when he arrived at Brisbane International Airport on a flight from The Philippines.

During the examination of the man’s baggage, a mobile phone he was carrying was allegedly identified as containing child abuse material.

A search warrant was later executed at the man’s home on May 4, with investigators seizing electronic devices for further forensic examination.

AFP Leading Senior Constable Stacey Ward said the charge demonstrated the AFP’s commitment to investigate and charge offenders believed to be involved in child exploitation and sexual abuse.

“This arrest should serve as a warning that law enforcement is dedicated to fighting child sexual abuse and bringing those who commit these offences before the court,” she said.

“Our investigators are relentless in their pursuit of anyone creating or sharing child abuse material.”

ABF Aviation Travellers South East Queensland Superintendent John Ikin said officers at the border are well trained and dedicated to keeping the community safe from individuals who are involved with the exploitation of children.

“Identifying this type of material is sadly not uncommon in the line of duty for an ABF officer, and highlights to the community the critical work we do every day at the border,” Superintendent Ikin said.

The man appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday.