Painstaking analysis of child abuse videos has helped detectives trace the material to its alleged creator, with the damning images allegedly found on the accused man's electronic devices.
Australian Federal Police officers in late November identified child abuse material on the dark web, which was examined by experts in the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) victim identification team.
A frame-by-frame analysis showed the images and videos were likely produced in Australia and were allegedly linked to a man living in the Port Macquarie region on the NSW mid-north coast.
Just before Christmas, Australian Federal Police officers searched the man's home and allegedly found child abuse material on electronic devices, which were sent for forensic examination.
Police seized other items they allege were seen in the online child abuse material that helped identify the victim and offender.
The man was charged with 66 offences, including nine counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
He will face Port Macquarie Local Court in February.
AFP commander for human exploitation Helen Schneider said the case highlights the critical role expert analysts play in identifying child victims and abuse perpetrators.
"It is also a stark reminder that when police identify a child in a potentially dangerous situation, we will move quickly and decisively to ensure that child's safety and pursue anyone producing, sharing or accessing this abhorrent material," she said.
As part of its victim identification program, AFP officers undertake detailed analysis of images and videos to identify and locate children subjected to sexual abuse in conjunction with other Australian and international experts.
NSW Police Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett said law enforcement personnel were united in their fight against child abuse.
"The safety of children is our number one priority and, together with the AFP, will use every capability we have to protect them," she said.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
