A Disturbing Case in Sydney

If a child is harmed overseas by an Australian perpetrator, shouldn’t they have the right to seek justice here?

A recent case in Sydney has highlighted the urgent need for stronger laws to combat the growing issue of child abuse material in the digital age. 

A 58-year-old man from Coogee has been charged with soliciting and possessing child abuse material after allegedly sending over 600 files to himself via an encrypted platform between May 2021 and October 2024. 

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) uncovered the material during a baggage inspection when the man returned from the UAE in December 2024. Further searches of his home revealed additional evidence, including damaged hard drives and video cassettes. He now faces up to 15 years in prison under the Commonwealth Criminal Code.

The Challenge of Encrypted Abuse
This case serves as a stark reminder of a troubling trend: the increasing use of encrypted communication channels and digital storage to facilitate the distribution and possession of illegal material. Technology evolves quickly—but our laws haven’t kept pace. This creates loopholes predators exploit, while survivors face barriers to justice. The anonymity offered by encrypted platforms makes detection and prosecution far more difficult, underscoring the need for lawmakers to act swiftly and decisively.

Why Current Laws Aren’t Enough
Additionally, this case raises critical questions about the sufficiency of existing penalties. While the maximum sentence for such crimes is severe, the effectiveness of this deterrence is unclear. For penalties to be truly effective, they must be backed by strong enforcement measures and preventative strategies.

This case is not isolated—it reflects a disturbing trend. As technology advances, encrypted platforms provide predators with anonymity, making detection and prosecution increasingly difficult. The law simply isn’t keeping up.

Clear Civil Pathways for Overseas Victims

Given these developments, there is an increasing call for comprehensive legislative reform. In our 2025-26 Pre-Budget Submission, Destiny Rescue recommended that the Australian Government legislate to establish clear legal pathways for overseas based CSAM victims to seek civil remedies from Australia-based perpetrators, including compensation and restitution. 

This reform would uphold principles of justice and accountability, ensuring that perpetrators are held responsible for the harm they inflict, regardless of where their victims reside.

Australia Must Lead in Global Justice
As digital platforms become increasingly integral to our daily lives, protecting children online has never been more critical. To safeguard future generations, it’s essential that legislation keeps pace with technological advancements, ensuring those who exploit these platforms for harmful purposes are held accountable.

● You can watch our OSEC documentary here.
● Read about our expert OSEC team here.
● You can read our most recent OSEC arrest cases here.

True justice crosses borders—and so should accountability. Australia must ensure survivors can seek legal redress—no matter where the harm occurred.