Australian Federal Police (AFP) have contacted more than 120 families as part of an investigation into alleged offending by a former Sydney childcare worker. The 35-year-old man has been charged with 329 offences allegedly committed over a 16-year period against 136 victims.
Details of the Charges
The charges include 162 counts of producing child abuse material, 24 counts of using a child under 14 for the production of child abuse material, 22 counts of aggravated use of a child under 14 for the production of child abuse material, and 18 counts of intentionally sexually touching a child under 10 years old.
The AFP began investigating in June last year after receiving a report about an online user uploading a file depicting child abuse. Police linked the man to the alleged activity and executed a search warrant in Glossodia, in Sydney's north-west. He was arrested and charged in July, and his working with children accreditation was suspended.
Scope of the Investigation
The man worked at or attended 62 early childhood education facilities, mostly in Sydney's north-west. Police allege he committed multiple offences against children at five facilities, including four childcare centres and his own private business. If found guilty of aggravated use of a child under 14 for the production of child abuse material, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
AFP Acting Commander Luke Needham said police had been in contact with 121 families, based in Australia and internationally, "who we have positively identified their child as being depicted in child abuse material." Needham stated that "all [alleged] offending occurred here in New South Wales" with "limited [alleged] offending that occurred in South Australia." The investigation also involved "speaking to a family that have moved overseas."
Victim Identification and Community Appeal
Needham confirmed there are 22 victims who "are yet to be positively identified." He urged the community to share information with the AFP to help identify these victims. The AFP has established a dedicated contact point listing all employment locations where the man worked.
"Operation Moonbi has spanned 12 months and involved the analysis of 2.4 million electronic files, 12 search warrants and countless hours trying to uncover the scale of the man's alleged offending," Needham said. He added, "The abuse of trust, we alleged, has occurred, is devastating, and will have lifelong ramifications for victims and their families. As a parent myself, I'm acutely aware of how distressing this news is."
In Australia, support is available through Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) for children and young adults, and Blue Knot Foundation (1300 657 380) for adult survivors. International helplines include the NSPCC in the UK and Childhelp in the US.
