DFAT Officer Surrenders Passports in Court After Child Abuse Material Charges
A senior federal public servant with more than twenty years of experience has been arrested and charged over his alleged possession of child abuse material, leading to the surrender of his passports in a Canberra courtroom.
Court Appearance and Bail Conditions
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officer Alexander Chapuis, a 42-year-old man from Holder, faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 29. He did not enter pleas to single counts of possessing or controlling child abuse material and using a carriage service for child abuse material.
The prosecution did not oppose his bail, and he was granted release on a number of agreed conditions. Some of those conditions, according to CODA Criminal Law solicitor Peter Woodhouse, were standard for child abuse material-related offences.
These included significant restrictions on internet use and the mandatory surrender of all passports. Mr Woodhouse was observed holding a white envelope filled with passports belonging to his client that were to be handed over to the court registry.
Arrest and Investigation Details
ACT Policing arrested the 42-year-old following a referral from the Queensland Police Service regarding an internet account that was sharing child abuse imagery. Chapuis was arrested on Wednesday, and investigators seized a number of electronic devices from his home during the operation.
Details of his alleged crimes were not aired in open court, but magistrate Amy Begley particularised the possessing charge as relating to data held on a computer. It is understood that Chapuis has been deployed overseas as part of his work with the federal government department, which adds a layer of complexity to the case.
Case Adjournment and Support Services
The case is next set to be heard in March, when Chapuis will not be required to attend court if he is legally represented. This development follows a series of high-profile court matters in the Canberra region.
Support is available for those who may be distressed by this content. Phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 for confidential assistance and counselling services.
