Media Release
WA man charged with multiple child abuse offences; child removed from harm in the Philippines
A child has been removed from harm in the Philippines following an international investigation that has resulted in multiple child abuse charges against a West Australian man.
The Geraldton man, 59, is scheduled to appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court today (11 September, 2025).
An AFP investigation began in March, 2025, following a referral from the Western Australia Police Force (WAPF), which had seized a computer, laptop, tablet, hard drives and mobile phones from the man’s home during an earlier, unrelated investigation.
AFP investigators allegedly found child abuse material on the devices, including images depicting the man sexually abusing children in the Philippines.
Police will allege the man communicated with overseas-based victims and other individuals via social media applications to meet minors to engage in sexual activity in the Philippines as well as solicit child abuse material. The man also allegedly paid overseas facilitators for child abuse material.
As a result of information provided to the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Centre (PICAAC) by the AFP Manila Post, the Philippine National Police (PNP) removed one child from harm in the city of Taguig. A woman, 26, who is known to the child, was charged by the PNP and remains before the court.
The Geraldton man was charged with:
- One count of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(iii) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years’ imprisonment;
- Two counts of using a carriage service to cause child abuse material to be transmitted to himself, contrary to section 474.22(1)(ii) of the Criminal Code(Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years’ imprisonment;
- One count of possessing child abuse material contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years’ imprisonment;
- Two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 16, contrary to section 50BA of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 17 years’ imprisonment; and
- Four counts of committing an act of indecency on a child under 16, contrary to section 50BC of the Crimes Act(Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 12 years’ imprisonment.
Noting it was National Child Protection Week, AFP Commander Renee Colley said the AFP and its partners, both in Australia and internationally, remained committed to the relentless pursuit of anyone involved in the exploitation or abuse of children.
“Children are some of the most vulnerable members of our society and deserve to be protected from harm,” Commander Colley said.
“Investigators work tirelessly to seek justice for any child who has been ruthlessly exploited by a sexual predator, wherever they live around the world.
“It's a timely warning to anyone involved in the abuse or exploitation of children; there are no off days for our officers, you will be caught and prosecuted.”
Philippine National Police Chief of the Women and Children’s Protection Centre, Brigadier General Sheila Portento, echoed the sentiments of Commander Colley.
“The charging of the alleged offender in Australia and filing of appropriate charges against the alleged facilitator here in the Philippines is a powerful reminder that when nations work together, traffickers and exploiters have nowhere to hide,” Brigadier General Portento said.
“Through the Philippine legal framework, combined with the strength of international partnerships, we not only rescue victims but also ensure justice crosses borders.
“This is more than enforcement, it is a shared commitment to protect women and children, uphold human dignity, and build a safer world for generations to come.”
The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) is driving a collaborative national approach.
The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now, or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.
If you, or someone you know, is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.
Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at the ThinkUKnow website, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
For more information on the role of the ACCCE, what online child sexual exploitation is and how to report it visit the ACCCE website.
