A man in his 40s, who arrived in Sydney earlier this month on a flight from China, was detained by Australian Border Force officers at the airport.
The officers, acting on intelligence-based screening, conducted a thorough examination of the man’s luggage, which led to his arrest.
Authorities allege that when they searched his electronic devices, they discovered child abuse material. Additionally, there were conversations with individuals in the Philippines regarding the procurement of children for sexual activities.
Police claim that the man solicited these individuals to locate minors whom he could adopt and exploit sexually, offering 30,000 Philippine pesos, which is approximately $730, for their assistance.
Federal police have charged the man with possessing child abuse material and committing child sex offenses, including procurement.
The man was denied bail in Sydney and is scheduled to make his next court appearance in the city on April 22.
If found guilty, the man could face a maximum of 20 years in jail on the procurement charge.
The investigation is ongoing.
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