Queensland police have charged an Australian man after he used social media and online games to lure boys aged 7 to 15 from 16 countries. He created fake profiles to intimidate victims into sending indecent images and systematically stored files over more than seven years. Authorities found over 23,000 abusive videos and images, resulting in 596 charges.
Queensland Police Service revealed progress after arresting and charging a 27-year-old man with over 596 counts related to online child exploitation. They identified a large number of victims—459 children and youths—from Australia and 15 other countries worldwide.
The suspect has been in custody since February 2025. Upon searching his electronic devices, officers found evidence including over 23,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse, meticulously organized into folders labeled by name.
Acting Detective Superintendent Denzil Clark stated the suspect began offending in 2018 through 2025, using multiple fake profiles posing as both male and female to approach children via popular social media platforms and online games.
Once trust was gained, he used grooming, coercion, or threats to compel victims to send indecent photos or videos. Most victims were boys aged 7 to 15. Among the 459 victims, over 200 were Australian children, with the remainder spread across mostly English-speaking foreign countries.
Officials noted the vast volume of images and videos required extensive time and expertise to identify victims. So far, 360 victims have been identified, and police are coordinating with international law enforcement partners to identify the remaining victims and provide urgent psychological support, as the abuse has severe mental health impacts on the children.
Key charges include producing child pornography via telecommunications services (244 counts), using telecommunications to procure persons under 16 years (163 counts), and engaging in sexual activity with children via telecommunications (87 counts).
Queensland police warned of a rising trend in child grooming through apps and games that appear safe but serve as hideouts for criminals. They also announced ongoing investigations into other suspects who may be involved.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court today (5 Feb) local time to face the charges.
,BBC