2LT Local News

LITHGOW, NSW Central West, Australia – In a significant development under Strike Force Trawler, detectives from the Sex Crimes Squad have arrested and charged a man in Lithgow, in the state’s Central West, for allegedly possessing and distributing child abuse material. The investigation is part of the Child Exploitation Internet Unit’s (CEIU) ongoing efforts to combat the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.

Acting on an interstate referral, strike force detectives, with assistance from the Chifley Police District and the Australian Federal Police, executed a search warrant at a Lithgow residence just before 9 am on Thursday. The operation led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man.

During the search of the man’s home, police discovered and confiscated various electronic devices and a concealed video camera. The man was subsequently taken to Lithgow Police Station, where he was charged with seven offences. These include three counts of using a carriage service to transmit, publish, or promote child abuse material, possession of child abuse material, installing a device to observe or film others, and two counts of filming a person in a private act without consent.

The man was refused bail and appeared in Lithgow Local Court on the charges. Police will allege in court that, in addition to possessing and sharing child abuse material, the man used a video camera to secretly record other adults in intimate acts.

NSW Police say investigations under Strike Force Trawler are ongoing.