A Moreton Bay man is scheduled for an upcoming appearance in Redcliffe Magistrates Court after a complex investigation into alleged child exploitation led to the rescue of seven children across southeast Queensland and the Philippines.
Initial Arrest and Charges
The 31-year-old man, from the Moreton Bay region, was initially taken into custody following a police raid on a home in Kippa-Ring in December last year. During this operation, authorities seized several electronic devices.
Following this arrest, the man was charged with possessing child exploitation material and using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
Expanded Investigation and Further Charges
Police work on the case continued into the new year. In January, detectives brought forward an additional 24 charges against the man.
These serious allegations include using the internet to procure children, the indecent treatment of a child under 12 who has a mental impairment, and facilitating the procurement of a child for a sexual act. These additions brought the total number of alleged offences faced by the man to 28, related to both drug and child exploitation matters.
International Rescue Operation
The diligent investigation led to several vulnerable children. Authorities have confirmed that seven children have now been rescued from situations of harm as a direct result of this police operation.
Two of these children were found in southeast Queensland. The investigation’s reach extended internationally, resulting in the rescue of five children, specifically four girls and one boy, located in the Philippines.
Official Commendation and Ongoing Case
Moreton District Detective Inspector Phil Hurst commented on the challenging aspects of the investigation. He commended the persistence shown by the Child Protection and Investigation Unit detectives, acknowledging their efforts went to great lengths to ensure the children were identified and, in some instances, rescued from harm.
Detective Inspector Hurst stated that police will thoroughly investigate all reports concerning harm to children, regardless of whether the investigation leads them locally or overseas. The accused man has remained in custody since his arrest and is scheduled for his court appearance in Redcliffe.
Published Date 29-April-2025
