The Australian Border Force (ABF) has launched 2026 with a major offensive against child exploitation, following a sharp increase in detections of abusive material at the nation's international airports.
Nationwide Interceptions in Early January
In a stark two-week period from 1 to 14 January 2026, ABF officers intercepted 17 travellers whose electronic devices were allegedly found to contain child abuse material. The discoveries have triggered a series of serious consequences, including visa cancellations, arrests, and extensive ongoing probes by authorities.
In New South Wales, seven alleged offenders were stopped. One case involved a 26-year-old Malaysian man who arrived in Sydney. Selected for a device examination, officers reportedly uncovered more than 100 offensive images on his phone, which included anime and AI-generated content. His visa was cancelled, he was detained for questioning, and subsequently deported back to Malaysia.
Also in Sydney, a 48-year-old Australian man arriving from Hong Kong was arrested. ABF officers allegedly located 10 videos depicting child abuse on his mobile phone. He has been charged with three Commonwealth offences, including importing child abuse material, and was refused bail. He is scheduled to face Downing Centre Local Court on March 3 and could face a maximum of 40 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Interceptions Across Multiple States
Authorities in Victoria stopped three alleged offenders. Among them was a 57-year-old Australian man who flew into Melbourne from Indonesia. Officers allegedly found multiple videos and images across two mobile phones, which have been seized for further forensic investigation.
In Western Australia, a 70-year-old Australian man is under investigation after arriving in Perth from Indonesia with three mobile phones and two laptops. Some of these devices allegedly contained child abuse material and concerning messages with a minor.
Two alleged offenders were intercepted in Adelaide. One was a 27-year-old Australian woman who arrived from Japan. Evidence of child abuse material was allegedly found on her device, resulting in her arrest. The ABF is collaborating with South Australia Police as inquiries proceed.
Queensland recorded four interceptions. One notable case involved a 24-year-old Australian man who holds a working with children card and was arriving in Brisbane from Japan. Officers allegedly discovered images of child exploitation material on his phone. He was arrested, his laptop was seized, and he has been granted bail. He is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 6.
A Sustained Zero-Tolerance Priority
The ABF has reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation. This recent surge is part of a broader, sustained effort. Between January 2024 and December 2025, officers stopped more than 435 potential child sex offenders at airports across the country.
The impact of these border detections extends globally. International referrals stemming from ABF work have contributed to the rescue of 158 children, the arrest of 32 alleged facilitators, and six previously unknown offenders being placed on the Australian National Child Offender Register for life.
ABF Commander David Coyles emphasised that combating child exploitation remains a core operational priority. "ABF officers utilise a range of powers at the border in order to detect and seize goods and material deemed harmful to the community and will act decisively with our law enforcement partners when it is detected," Commander Coyles said.
He added, "Tackling child abuse is an important part of the ABF’s role in protecting Australia from individuals who may pose a threat to the community — each intercepted piece of child abuse material helps remove children from harm, both here and overseas."
