Queensland detectives have arrested a 71-year-old man in Townsville, alleging he was the administrator of multiple online child exploitation networks. Lau Hansen was taken into custody at his home on Monday after an undercover police officer infiltrated the networks.
Police allege Hansen controlled and maintained libraries of child exploitation material across several encrypted platforms. They also claim he was involved in networks of up to 500 individuals who discussed the sexual abuse of children.
During a search of Hansen's property, detectives allegedly uncovered a large volume of digital and printed child exploitation material, as well as evidence of his roles within the encrypted platforms.
Hansen has been charged with 59 offences, including administering a child exploitation material website, distributing child exploitation material, possessing child exploitation material, and encouraging the use of a child exploitation material website.
He faced the Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody. Magistrate Ken Taylor said Hansen's risk of reoffending was too great to grant bail.
