A 40-year-old Cooloongup man been charged over alleged sexualised online conversations with a child.
The investigation began when the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) received a report in July 2026, regarding a user of an instant messaging platform allegedly engaging in sexualised communications with someone they believed to be a 12-year-old girl.
AFP investigators executed a search warrant at the man's home in Cooloongup on October 6, where he was arrested.
He has been charged with one count of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child using a carriage service.
The accused was granted bail and is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court today.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Tim Knight said the AFP was committed to identifying and prosecuting anyone who attempted to exploit children online.
“Every child has the right to be safe, and the AFP will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify alleged offenders and ensure they are brought to justice,” Det A/Insp Knight said.
“The AFP works regularly with partners in Australia and overseas to detect, disrupt and prosecute child exploitation offenders wherever they operate.”
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact police.
If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.
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