Man arrested at Sydney Airport after shock find in luggage
A man has been arrested at Sydney Airport for allegedly trying to adopt children and have sex with them overseas.
Police said the 49-year-old was captured by border officers after landing in Sydney on a flight from China on Tuesday.
Officers examined his luggage and allegedly found child abuse materials and conversations with third parties in the Philippines discussing procuring children for sexual activity through the man’s electronic devices.
A man has been arrested at Sydney Airport for allegedly distributing child abuse material and conversations about procuring children for sex abroad.
Police alleged that he asked a third party to find underage children to adopt and engage in sexual activity in exchange for 30,000 Philippine pesos ($A730).
The Queensland man was charged with two counts of using a carriage service to prepare for or plan to engage in sexual activity with a person under 16 and one count of possessing, controlling, producing, distributing or obtaining child abuse material.
He is also charged with soliciting a child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia; If convicted, he faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
The 49-year-old man was refused bail and his next hearing will be held at Downing Center Local Court on 22 April.
AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said police would forensically examine the man’s devices, relevant accounts and financial transactions.
“We will also liaise with international partners and members working in the Philippines to identify potential (alleged) victims,” he said.
ABF Inspector Elke West said the organization played a vital role in stopping illegal digital material at the border.
“When an arriving traveler is stopped and searched, our focus is always on protecting the Australian public, especially the young and most vulnerable,” Inspector West said.
