Editor's note: images of the arrests can be downloaded here.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have charged two men with child sex offences in separate investigations after allegedly detecting child abuse material on their electronic devices.
On 6 March 2026, ABF officers intercepted a 19-year-old man arriving at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Singapore.
The man was initially selected for a luggage examination, and following a search of his electronic devices ABF officers allegedly located a significant amount of photos and videos deemed to be child abuse material.
The man was arrested and charged by ABF Investigations with the following offences:
Importing a Tier 2 good, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901
Providing a false/misleading statement to an officer, contrary to section 234(1)(d)(i) of the Customs Act 1901
Use carriage service to transmit child abuse material to self, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995
Use carriage service to make available child abuse material contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995
Possess/control child abuse material using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995
Use carriage service solicit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995
He was refused bail and is expected to appear at Downing Centre Local Court today (Thursday 12 March 2026).
The arrest came just hours after ABF officers intercepted a 48‑year‑old man on his arrival at Sydney International Airport on an earlier flight from Japan.
A detailed examination of the man's baggage allegedly revealed a digital device containing more than 4,500 photos and videos deemed to be child abuse material from over 20 chat groups.
ABF Investigations attended and arrested the man, before he was conveyed to Surry Hills Police Station.
The man was charged with:
Importing a Tier 2 good, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901
Possess/control Child Abuse Material using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995
Use carriage service to transmit/make available/publish/ distribute/child abuse, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995
Providing a false/misleading statement to an officer, contrary to section 234(1)(d)(i) of the Customs Act 1901.
He was refused bail to reappear at Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 12 May 2026.
The ABF plays a critical role in detecting and disrupting the movement of child abuse material into Australia under customs laws.
ABF Investigations Superintendent Shaun Baker said offences involving child abuse material are among the most serious matters encountered at the border.
“Our officers remain vigilant for indicators of exploitation and act swiftly to apply every available power to protect Australians, especially our most vulnerable."
“To anyone attempting to enter the country with this abhorrent material the message is clear: you will be caught, and you will face serious consequences under Australian law."
Note to media:
Use of term 'CHILD ABUSE' MATERIAL not 'CHILD PORNOGRAPHY'
The correct legal term is Child Abuse Material – the move to this wording was among amendments to Commonwealth legislation in 2019 to more accurately reflect the gravity of the crimes and the harm inflicted on victims.
Use of the phrase 'child pornography' is inaccurate and benefits child sex abusers because it:
indicates legitimacy and compliance on the part of the victim and therefore legality on the part of the abuser; and
conjures images of children posing in 'provocative' positions, rather than suffering horrific abuse.
Every photograph or video captures an actual situation where a child has been abused.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
