Australian Federal Police have charged a Wollongong man with allegedly grooming children online. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
A Wollongong man is facing seven child abuse-related offences after allegedly grooming children from three states online.
The man, 38, appeared in the Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday (22 October) and is expected to face court again on 5 November.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested and charged the man on 6 September, after receiving a report from the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE).
It will be alleged the man groomed three children in Brisbane, Adelaide and Central NSW using online gaming platforms and social media applications.
The AFP’s investigation started after a mother made a report to the ACCCE about a stranger contacting her child online.
The man has been charged with seven offences:
- Three counts of using a carriage service to groom persons under 16 years of age. The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years’ imprisonment
- Three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child using a carriage service. The maximum penalty is 20 years’ imprisonment
- One count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, in circumstances of aggravation. The maximum penalty is six years’ imprisonment.
The children linked to the alleged offences have been identified and are being given support.
If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, click here for support services.
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