A 29-year-old Sydney man has been remanded in custody after allegedly travelling to the ACT with the intention of having sex with a 14-year-old girl he met on social media.
Alleged online grooming leads to Canberra meeting
Mannan Ul Huq faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday, December 19, where he was formally denied bail. He is charged with using a carriage service to procure a child under 16 for sexual activity and has not yet entered a plea.
According to police documents, the man initiated contact with the teenage girl on a social media platform in January 2025. The conversations are alleged to have become sexualised over time, despite the accused being fully aware of her age. The communications later moved to a private messaging application, where police claim sexually explicit messages and images were exchanged, and plans were solidified to meet in person in Canberra.
Arrest at Canberra hotel after girl alerts police
The planned meeting was set for Thursday, December 18. On that day, the girl reported the situation to authorities, triggering an immediate investigation by ACT Policing. Officers arrested Huq at a hotel in Canberra at approximately 1:00 pm.
During the arrest, police seized a digital camera and a box of condoms from his possession. The swift action followed the girl's report, which allowed investigators to intervene before any alleged physical meeting could occur.
Bail opposed over evidence and flight risk concerns
In court, Legal Aid lawyer Edward Chen argued for bail, noting Huq had no prior criminal history. He proposed strict conditions including surrendering his passport, having no contact with children, and reporting daily to police.
However, Commonwealth prosecutor Luke Fomiatti strongly opposed release. He argued there was a significant risk Huq would interfere with digital evidence, noting the accused had already been uncooperative with police by refusing to provide access to his phone. Mr Fomiatti also highlighted that Huq is not an Australian citizen and had plans for an extended trip to Pakistan, a country with which Australia has no extradition treaty.
Magistrate James Lawton agreed with the prosecution, denying bail. He cited the likelihood of evidence tampering and the serious flight risk as decisive factors. Huq is scheduled to return to court in January 2026.
In a statement following the court proceedings, an ACT Policing spokesperson emphasised the seriousness of online grooming offences. They urged parents, carers, and young people to remain vigilant about online interactions and to report any concerning behaviour immediately.
Support is available for anyone affected by this issue. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
