Australian Border Force officers have stopped 17 travellers at airports across the country in the first two weeks of this year for allegedly carrying child abuse material on their electronic devices, leading to visa cancellations and arrests.
In one case, a Chinese national intending to study early childhood education was intercepted at Adelaide Airport on Monday. Officers allegedly found 21 videos deemed to be child abuse material on his phone during a baggage examination.
The man, who held a student visa, was refused entry, issued a $660 fine, and removed from Australia on the next available flight. The ABF said it was deeply concerning that someone planning to work with children was found with such material.
Inspector Mark Vaughan stated that tackling child abuse is a key part of the ABF's role in protecting children from individuals who carry such material across the border. He emphasized that officers remain vigilant for these videos and images at airports.
