Sydney Man Charged Over Child Sexual Offences Abroad
Umesh Dhakal
KNA-Canberra
A 22-year-old Sydney man has been charged with child sexual offences allegedly committed overseas. The man was intercepted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Sydney Airport on 28 February 2026 after arriving from Türkiye. During luggage screening, a mobile phone and laptop were examined, revealing two videos of child abuse material, one allegedly depicting the man engaging in sexual activity with a child.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged him with:
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Possession or control of child abuse material via a carriage service (max penalty: 15 years) under section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth).
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Sexual activity with a child outside Australia (max penalty: 20 years) under section 272.9(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The man was refused bail on 1 March 2026 and formally refused again on 2 March 2026 in the NSW Bail Division Court. His next court appearance is scheduled for 29 April 2026 at Downing Centre Local Court.
AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham stressed that the AFP is committed to tracking and prosecuting anyone who exploits children, both in Australia and overseas. ABF Superintendent Elke West highlighted the frontline officers’ role in identifying child abuse material and safeguarding the community.
The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) coordinates national efforts, combining expertise to investigate online child sexual exploitation and develop prevention strategies. The public is urged to report information about child abuse to ACCCE, or call 000 if a child is in immediate danger.
Source: Joint media release, Australian Federal Police & Australian Border Force, 2 March 2026
