The investigation began after a search warrant carried out at a home in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast on February 10 allegedly uncovered child exploitation material.

Police also allege that they found photos and videos of about 40 people who investigators claim had been unknowingly filmed in their homes, between late 2021 and February this year.

Police claim they’ve now identified 23 people in the recordings, including four children.

All the alleged victims live in Maroochydore.

Police allege the man filmed people from outside their homes, largely through windows, on his mobile phone.

A 32-year-old man was arrested at a Maroochydore address yesterday and charged with 36 offences, including 29 counts of privacy-breaching recordings, five counts of indecent treatment of children under 16, one count of indecent treatment of children under 12, and one count of stalking.

He was refused bail and will appear in court today.

Police believe there are about 17 people yet to be identified from the recordings and are working to find them.

Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.