Ethan Mitch Burns-Dederer, a 27-year-old resident of Maryborough, located north of Brisbane, is facing a staggering number of charges—nearly 600—related to offenses against minors aged between five and 15 years old.
Authorities allege that Burns-Dederer operated under assumed identities online to manipulate and exploit children both within Australia and internationally.
Although he did not make an appearance in court, his case has been postponed until July for further proceedings, with a committal hearing anticipated in the future.
The revelation of these extensive charges comes after a comprehensive investigation spanning a year, during which police worked meticulously to identify the alleged victims among a trove of 23,000 photos and videos.
Police have succeeded in identifying over 360 victims so far, with more than 200 located in Australia alone.
This disturbing cache of material was discovered on hard drives and other electronic devices during a raid at Burns-Dederer’s Maryborough residence in February 2025.
The alleged offending involves 459 victims, primarily aged between seven and 15, in 15 countries.
Burns-Dederer is accused of creating multiple fake online profiles on popular social media and gaming sites.
He allegedly used them to groom, coerce and threaten children into sending him sexually explicit material, recording the interactions.
The offending was ongoing from 2018 until his arrest.
It had been “disturbing and distressing” for the young people and their families involved, Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark said yesterday.
Burns-Dederer was charged under Operation Xray Wick featuring Queensland, national and international law enforcement.
“Due to the volume of images seized and the number of victims identified, we are continuing this investigation,” Clark said.
He said other offenders had been identified, with another person charged as investigations remained ongoing.
“This is extremely concerning and disturbing offending,” he said.
“We are seeing an increasing prevalence of children being groomed, coerced or threatened into taking and sending sexual images of themselves, often through popular apps, games and social media sites.
“The trauma that this causes a child is significant.”
Burns-Dederer’s charges included 244 counts of producing child abuse material for use through a carriage service and 163 counts of using a carriage service to procure persons under 16 years of age.
He also faces a further 87 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child using a carriage service.
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
