A Mundijong man is behind bars after allegedly attempting to procure children from the Philippines for sexual activity.
The man is alleged to have committed the offences while he was travelling in another South-East Asian country.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted the 72-year-old at Perth Airport for a baggage examination on March 28 after he returned to Australia on an international flight.
ABF officers than alerted the AFP after a search of the man's mobile phone allegedly revealed child abuse material and online communications looking to procure children for sex.
AFP investigators questioned the man before executing a search warrant at a Mundijong property later that day, where they seized two hard drives and a USB for forensic examination.
He has since been charged with two counts of procuring a child outside Australia for sexual activity and one count of cause to transit child abuse material.
Each offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment.
The man appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on March 29, where bail was refused.
He is next due to appear on May 1.
AFP Acting Inspector Josh Gilmour said the AFP and its partners worked tirelessly to detect any form of child exploitation, both in Australia and around the world.
“Children are some of our community’s most vulnerable members and deserve to be protected from sexual predators, no matter where they live across the globe,” a/Insp Gilmour said.
“Investigators work tirelessly to provide that protection, and working so closely with other agencies in this space gives us a wider net to cast.”
ABF inspector John Sweet said the Australian Border Force continued to prioritise targeting and intercepting anyone seeking to access or trade in child abuse material.
“These offences exploit the most vulnerable members of our community, they cause real harm and lasting trauma to real children,” Insp Sweet said.
“The ABF uses advanced targeting and highly trained officers to detect these alleged vile criminals and works closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure they face the full force of the law.”
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE.
If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.
If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.
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