A 62-year-old Gerroa man is one of eight arrested as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged transmission of child abuse material through an adult phone chat service.
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Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad have been looking into a phone service allegedly used by men to distribute child abuse material and discuss the sexual abuse of children.
The Gerroa man was arrested on December 2 and will front Port Kembla Local Court on January 19, 2022.
Since November, Strike Force Hank detectives have executed seven search warrants at locations across the state including Petersham, Cranebrook, Coffs Harbour, Shoal Bay, Gerroa, Surry Hills, and Stanmore.
During a subsequent search of the homes at Stanmore and Coffs Harbour, police allegedly seized quantities of cannabis.
Additionally, mobiles phones and electronic devices were found and seized for further forensic analysis from all seven locations.
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, said the investigation had uncovered alleged chat participants who were aggressive in their pursuit of child sex offending.
"Producing, disseminating or possessing child abuse material are serious offences, and detectives will continue to dismantle these types of operations, so children are free from harmful situations, exploitation and abuse," Det Supt Doherty said.
Seven men - aged between 34 and 71 - were arrested during the warrants and charged over their alleged involvement in the chat service. They remain before the courts.
The eighth arrest came on Tuesday, after detectives attended a home at Sans Souci around 6:30am. During a search they located and seized a mobile phone for further forensic examination.
A 40-year-old man was then arrested and taken to Kogarah Police Station, where he was charged with five counts of use carriage service transmit or publish or promote child abuse.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday January 11.
Investigations under Strike Force Hank continue.
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Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
