A childcare worker in Sydney has been charged with an additional 129 offenses related to the alleged creation of child abuse material using young children. The individual, who has been detained since his arrest in July 2025, is protected by a court-imposed non-publication order that prevents his identification.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) initially accused the man of seven counts involving the exploitation of children under 14 to produce abusive content. During a recent court session at Parramatta Local Court, the AFP announced the expanded charges, which now include 68 counts for the production of child abuse material, 29 counts for filming individuals engaged in private acts without their consent, and 11 counts of aggravated exploitation of minors for the same purpose.
The newly introduced charges carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. With these additions, the total number of charges against him has reached 137.
In June 2025, the AFP initiated Operation Moonbi after receiving a report from the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about child abuse material being uploaded to the internet. Following this, investigators confiscated the man’s electronic devices, leading to the examination of approximately 550,000 unique files.
Detective Superintendent Luke Needham of the AFP stated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying the potential victims involved. “We understand that situations like this are a parent’s worst nightmare. Our investigators and digital forensics teams are diligently working to review 2.4 million electronic files,” he remarked in an official statement.
He added, “Our main goal is to analyze all evidence thoroughly and to reach out to affected families as soon as possible. It is crucial for us to develop a comprehensive understanding of the offenses to provide tailored support for each impacted family’s unique situation.”
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact the following services: Counseling and support for survivors of child sexual abuse at 1800 272 831; 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention at 13 11 14; assistance for children and young people at 1800 650 890; or visit au.reachout.com for resources tailored to young individuals. Additionally, you can find support services available in your respective state or territory.
