An international network distributing child sexual abuse material with satanic and ritualistic themes has been dismantled in a major police operation across Sydney.
Police Raids Across Sydney
Strike Force Trawler detectives, with assistance from the Riot Squad, executed a series of six search warrants late last week. The coordinated raids targeted properties in the inner-city suburbs of Waterloo and Ultimo, as well as in Malabar in the city's eastern suburbs.
This operation led to the arrest of four Australian men, who now face a range of serious charges related to the possession and dissemination of child abuse material.
Key Arrests and Serious Charges
Authorities arrested a 26-year-old man in Waterloo, alleging he played a leading role in the paedophile network. Police have charged him with multiple offences, including possessing child abuse material, making child abuse material available via a carriage service, and disseminating and possessing bestiality material.
In a separate action at a unit block in Malabar, detectives arrested three other men. The group, aged 46, 42, and 39, were charged with similar child abuse material offences. The 46-year-old and the 39-year-old also received additional charges for drug possession.
Court Appearances and Bail Decisions
All four accused men faced court last Friday. The alleged ringleader, the 26-year-old from Waterloo, was refused bail and is scheduled to return to court on January 29.
The three men arrested in Malabar did not apply for bail during their initial court appearance. They are set to face court again on January 27 as the police investigation continues to unfold.
This bust highlights the ongoing and critical work of law enforcement in combating the distribution of child sexual abuse material, particularly that involving organised networks with disturbing thematic elements.
