Australian Border Force (ABF) officers inspected the man’s baggage on his return from the Philippines and allegedly located child abuse material on the man’s mobile devices.
The man has since allegedly been linked to a broader ABF investigation which recently resulted in the rescue of five children in the Philippines who had been subject to sexual exploitation.
Police also searched the man’s home, where further evidence was allegedly located and seized.
ABF Enforcement and Detained Goods East Commander Justin Bathurst said the role of the ABF extended beyond the border and into the broader community.
“ABF officers have a critical role in investigating criminal activity identified at the Australian border. This includes the importation of illegal and abhorrent digital material featuring child victims both within Australia and abroad,” Commander Bathurst said.
“The Australian border is one of our most important national assets, especially when it comes to keeping the community and some of its most vulnerable members safe.
“Our officers are dedicated to ensuring people seeking to import child abuse material into Australia are caught and will face the full consequences of their actions.”
The man appeared before the Parramatta Local Court where he was granted bail subject to strict conditions until his next court appearance on June 30.
Anyone with information about suspicious border activity or border-related crime in the community can report it anytime through Border Watch at borderwatch.gov.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
