MASSIVE CRACKDOWN ON CHILD ABUSE: 92 Kids Rescued, 18 Filipinos Charged and 13 Aussies Brought to Justice in Global Operation
- Major police operation sees 92 children rescued from harm and 18 alleged child exploitation facilitators charged in the Philippines
- 13 Australians charged in the operation, with two men already convicted of heinous child abuse crimes
- Australians suspected to be major offenders in the Filipino child abuse trade due to similar time zones and direct flights
Australia’s darkest secret has been exposed in a massive crackdown on child abuse, with 92 kids rescued and 18 Filipinos charged in a global operation. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Philippines National Police joined forces to bring down the vile network, with 13 Australians charged and two men already convicted of heinous crimes.
“It is horrific how many Australian criminals are helping to drive this vile demand in the Philippines for offenders to abuse innocent children,” AFP Detective Sergeant Leesa Alexander said. “The AFP and international partners are committed to targeting these crimes, protecting children and putting offenders before court.”
The operation, which took place over the past year, has revealed the shocking extent of Australian involvement in the Filipino child abuse trade. The AFP suspects that Australians are major offenders due to similar time zones and direct flights from most Australian capital cities, making it easier for perpetrators to communicate with facilitators online.
In a heartbreaking development, a 69-year-old Northern Territory man pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including three counts of sexual intercourse with a child outside Australia. The maximum penalty for this offence is 30 years’ imprisonment.
Earlier this month, a 74-year-old West Australian man was sentenced to 23 years in jail for sexually abusing three children overseas, and a further 12 over the internet between 2013 and 2022. A further 11 Australians were charged with alleged child abuses related to children in the Philippines.
AFP Commander Human Exploitation Helen Schneider warned offenders that they will be caught and brought to justice. “Every action online is traceable, and offenders who think they can outsmart law enforcement online should think again,” she said. “We will continue to identify those exploiting children for their disgusting gratification. Let me be clear – just because the offending may not happen in Australia, we will still find you.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call Triple-0.