Editor's note: Vision of the arrest is available here.
A Newcastle man has been arrested by Australian Border Force (ABF) investigators after they allegedly found a significant amount of child abuse material on the man's phone at Sydney International Airport.
The 32-year-old was intercepted by ABF officers and selected for a baggage examination after he arrived on a flight from Thailand on Friday 29 May, 2026.
Following an examination of the man's mobile phone and tablet, ABF officers allegedly identified thousands of images and videos suspected to contain child abuse material, with approximately 750,000 files still subject to further investigation.
The man was arrested and charged by ABF Investigators with the following offences:
Importing a Tier 2 good, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901; and
Possess/control Child Abuse Material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
Following the man's arrest, New South Wales Police officers attached to Newcastle City Police District executed a search warrant at a unit in Newcastle and seized further electronic devices.
The man was granted bail and is due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on 28 July 2026.
ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker said the ABF plays a critical role in detecting and disrupting the movement of child abuse material into Australia under customs laws.
“The ABF will continue to use intelligence-led targeting and investigative capabilities to prevent abhorrent child abuse material from entering Australia," Supt Baker said.
“Anyone attempting to bring this material into Australia should expect to be detected and dealt with under the full extent of the law.
“ABF has zero tolerance for the importation, possession or distribution of child abuse material. Behind every image is a child who has been exploited –
these are serious offences with real and lasting harm."
Note to media
Use of term 'CHILD ABUSE MATERIAL', not 'CHILD PORNOGRAPHY'
The correct legal term is Child Abuse Material. This wording reflects amendments to Commonwealth legislation and more accurately describes the gravity of the offences 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 image or video captures an actual situation where a child has been abuse.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
