A Gungahlin man has been sentenced to prison after Australian Border Force officers discovered what they described as "deeply disturbing" child abuse material on his electronic devices following his return from Japan.
Court sentencing details
On Wednesday, November 19, the 35-year-old Canberra resident appeared in the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney where he pleaded guilty to one count of accessing child abuse material using a carriage service.
The court heard the man received a jail term of three years and three months along with an eight-year Child Protection Order that will restrict his activities following his release from prison.
Airport interception and evidence
The investigation began on October 18, 2024, when ABF officers selected the man for a baggage examination at Sydney International Airport after he arrived on a flight from Japan.
During the search, officers discovered more than 150 images, 12 videos and several PDF files containing child abuse material on the man's electronic devices. The evidence also revealed payments made to a known child exploitation facilitator.
Official response and warning
Acting ABF investigations superintendent Mark Rea said the interception resulted from precise intelligence that flagged the passenger for examination.
"Our officers acted on precise intelligence that flagged this passenger for examination which ultimately led to the discovery of deeply disturbing material and has now resulted in a successful prosecution," Mr Rea stated.
He emphasized that Australia's borders serve as a frontline for protecting vulnerable children, noting this case serves as a stark reminder that border protection extends beyond goods and people to include safeguarding children from exploitation.
The man was subsequently arrested and charged by ABF officers following the discovery of the material.
