New South Wales Police have dismantled what they describe as an international criminal network, arresting four men in Sydney over their alleged involvement in a disturbing child abuse material ring with ritualistic themes.
Alleged Leader's Bizarre Persona and Arrest
Detectives allege the group was led by 26-year-old Landon Ashton Versace Germanotta-Mills, who was arrested at a property in the inner-city suburb of Waterloo on Thursday. He was taken into custody wearing matching zebra-print shorts and a shirt, using a blue beanie to cover his face.
Germanotta-Mills, a self-proclaimed journalist and ardent Lady Gaga fan who changed his surname in tribute to the singer, now faces a string of serious charges. These include seven counts of using a carriage service to make available child abuse material, accessing such material, three counts of possessing it, and multiple charges related to bestiality material.
Police allege the online platform used by the group contained thousands of videos showing the abuse of children, with victims ranging from infants to 12 years old. The men are not accused of producing the material themselves, but of possessing, distributing, and facilitating access to it.
Contradictory Online Presence and Co-accused
Germanotta-Mills maintained a significant online footprint, describing himself as the founder of the Underground Media Network, which claimed to expose "corruption, racism, and silenced survivor stories." His posts frequently focused on alleged police misconduct and child protection issues.
In a stark contradiction, he had previously published articles accusing Australian police of involvement in child exploitation and signed off one piece as a survivor of child sexual abuse himself. He also claimed on social media to have attended the elite Knox Grammar School, a claim the school has firmly denied to 7NEWS.com.au.
His social media accounts were also filled with countdowns to Lady Gaga's upcoming Australian tour and heartfelt tributes to his late father, who died in May 2023.
In a separate operation on Thursday, police arrested three other men at a unit block in Malabar. Benjamin Raymond Drysdale, 46, Mark Andrew Sendecky, 42, and Stuart Woods Riches, 39, were all charged with various offences related to child abuse and bestiality material, along with drug possession and failing to comply with reporting obligations in some cases.
Court Appearances and Ongoing Investigation
All four men faced court on Friday, where none applied for bail. They have been formally refused bail and are scheduled to reappear in court on January 29 as the police investigation continues.
The bust highlights the ongoing and grim challenge authorities face in combating the international trade in child exploitation material, particularly that which involves organised networks and disturbing thematic elements.
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. For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
