Media Release
WA man charged over data access offences
This is a joint release between the Australian Federal Police and Western Australia Police Force
A Swan View man has been charged for allegedly refusing to comply with data access orders relating to eight electronic devices, seized as part of a child protection investigation.
The man, 33, faced Perth Magistrates Court yesterday (7 January, 2025) after being charged yesterday morning. He is next due to appear in court on 17 January, 2025.
The Western Australia Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (WA JACET) executed a search warrant at the man’s home yesterday (7 January, 2025) as part of an investigation into people suspected of accessing a dark web child exploitation site, and seized the eight devices.
The man allegedly refused to provide passwords to enable investigators to access each device.
He has been charged with eight counts of failure to comply with a 3LA Order, contrary to section 3LA(5) of the Crimes Act (Cth).
AFP Detective Inspector Andrea Coleman said a person who refused to provide access to electronic devices during a police investigation could face significant penalties.
“If convicted, the maximum penalty for the offence is five years’ imprisonment,” Det Insp Coleman said.
