A 46-year-old man from Queensland is facing serious criminal charges after Australian Federal Police (AFP) alleged he attempted to groom a mother in the Philippines to allow him sexual access to her two young daughters.
Airport Stop Uncovers Alleged Offending
The case came to light in December 2024 when the man was stopped and searched by Australian Border Force officers at Brisbane Airport. He had just returned from a trip to Manila, Philippines. An analysis of his mobile phone allegedly revealed communications where he had been grooming a woman via a messaging application.
Police will allege the man tried to persuade the mother to permit him to engage in sexual activity with her daughters, aged just 12 and 16. It is further alleged he pressured the woman to send child abuse material, but she refused.
Arrest and Court Proceedings in Blackwater
Following the initial investigation, the AFP arrested the man at a property in Blackwater, approximately 190 kilometres west of Rockhampton, on August 20. He was later granted watchhouse bail ahead of a court hearing.
The man appeared before the Blackwater Magistrates' Court on December 2. The AFP has released footage of the arrest at the Blackwater residence.
Serious Charges with Lengthy Maximum Sentences
The accused now faces multiple charges, each carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment. The charges include:
- Grooming a person to facilitate sexual activity with a child overseas.
- Soliciting child abuse material via a carriage service.
- Possessing child abuse material.
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer emphasised the force's commitment to pursuing such crimes regardless of where they are planned. "Even if a person is attempting to commit alleged criminal acts overseas, the AFP has the skills and abilities to identify them and put them before the courts," he stated.
Detective Superintendent Telfer reiterated that the AFP is dedicated to targeting criminal activity and protecting children, no matter where they live in the world.
