Media Release
Man charged with advocating violence, online child abuse material offences
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
A NSW man is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today (14 October, 2026) for allegedly transmitting child abuse material and advocating violence against groups.
The AFP charged the man, 38, from the lower Blue Mountains, on Saturday (10 October, 2026), after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted him at Sydney Airport on arrival on an international flight.
During a baggage examination, ABF officers inspected a mobile phone and allegedly identified child abuse material. The matter was referred to the AFP for investigation.
AFP investigators subsequently examined the device and identified child abuse material, as well as conversations in which the man allegedly advocated violence against specific religious and racial groups.
The man was charged with:
- Five counts of transmitting child abuse material using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(ii) of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment; and
- Three counts of advocating violence against groups, contrary to section 80.2A(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.
The man appeared before NSW Bail Division Court on Sunday (11 October, 2026) where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at Downing Centre Local Court today (14 October, 2026).
As part of ongoing inquiries, a search warrant was executed at a Winmalee property on Monday (12 October, 2026). An electronic device was seized for further forensic examination.
AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the AFP remained committed to protecting the community from anyone who promoted violence or engaged in child exploitation material.
“This investigation demonstrates how law enforcement agencies work together to protect the Australian community,” Det-Supt Needham said.
“There is no place in our community for the alleged exploitation of children or conduct which encourages violence based on religion, race, ethnicity or other personal characteristics.
“The AFP will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify offenders, protect vulnerable people and keep the Australian community safe."
ABF Acting Superintendent Neil Singh said this result reflected the ABF’s intelligence-led approach to detecting serious criminal offending at the border.
“The exploitation of children is one of the most abhorrent crimes we encounter. This detection highlights the skill, experience and capability of ABF officers working to protect vulnerable children and safeguard the Australian community,” a/Supt Singh said.
“Through strong partnerships and intelligence sharing with law enforcement agencies, we ensure those involved in these offences are identified and brought before the courts.
“Anyone accessing, possessing or distributing child abuse material can expect to be identified and face the consequences of their actions.”
Note to media
Use of term 'CHILD ABUSE' MATERIAL not ‘CHILD PORNOGRAPHY’
The correct legal term is Child Abuse Material – the move to this wording was among amendments to Commonwealth legislation in 2019 to more accurately reflect the gravity of the crimes and the harm inflicted on victims.
Use of the phrase ‘child pornography’ is inaccurate and benefits child sex abusers because it:
- indicates legitimacy and compliance on the part of the victim and therefore legality on the part of the abuser; and
- conjures images of children posing in 'provocative' positions, rather than suffering horrific abuse.
Every photograph or video captures an actual situation where a child has been abused.
