A 49-year-old Queensland man was arrested at Sydney Airport on Feb. 17 after arriving from China; police allege he offered roughly US$700 (and 30,000 Philippine pesos, about US$516) to procure children overseas for adoption and sexual abuse. Authorities say child abuse material was found on his devices and communications with contacts in the Philippines were uncovered. He faces multiple charges — including a procurement count that carries a maximum 20-year sentence — was refused bail, and will return to Downing Centre Local Court on April 22. AFP and ABF investigators are continuing forensic examinations and working with international partners to identify any potential victims.
Man Arrested at Sydney Airport After Allegedly Offering Money to Procure Children Overseas
Australian Federal Police
A 49-year-old Queensland man was arrested at Sydney Airport on Feb. 17 after arriving on a flight from China, police say. Authorities allege he tried to pay roughly US$700 to have children procured overseas so he could adopt and sexually abuse them.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted the man following intelligence-led screening. Officers examined his luggage and electronic devices and, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), found child abuse material and communications with third parties in the Philippines discussing the procurement of minors for sexual activity. Investigators allege the man offered 30,000 Philippine pesos (about US$516) in exchange for minors.
Australian Federal Police
The AFP charged the suspect with multiple offences, including one count of possessing, controlling, producing, distributing or obtaining child abuse material outside Australia; two counts of using a carriage service to prepare or plan sexual activity with a person under 16; and one count of procuring a child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia. Prosecutors say the procurement charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on April 22. AFP investigators will continue forensic examinations of his devices, cloud accounts and financial records, and are working with international partners — including personnel in the Philippines — to identify any potential victims.
“Children are not commodities to be used for the gratification of sexual predators,” AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said, condemning the alleged conduct and confirming investigators remain focused on establishing whether any children were targeted or harmed.
“Our focus is always on safeguarding the Australian public — particularly the young and most vulnerable,” said Australian Border Force Superintendent Elke West. She added that ABF will continue to work with domestic and international partners to investigate and prosecute those involved in such abhorrent activity.
If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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