Alleged Australian paedophile flies to Darwin from Bali with ‘child abuse material on mobile phone’

An Alice Springs man flew back from Bali with his phone allegedly loaded with vile child abuse material and now faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

Border Force officials allegedly made the discovery on Wednesday as they searched the man’s luggage at Darwin International Airport in the Northern Territory.

They raised the alarm with the specialist Northern Territory Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team who obtained a search warrant for his home in the troubled town.

Investigators from the combined Australian Federal Police and NT Police unit allegedly found more child abuse material stored on his social media accounts.

The man, 38, was charged with one count of possessing or controlling child abuse material outside of Australia. The maximum penalty is 15 years’ imprisonment.

Border Force officials allegedly made the discovery on Wednesday as they searched the man’s luggage at Darwin International Airport in the Northern Territory (pictured)

He was remanded in custody and will next appear in court on Monday, February 6.

Superintendent Greg Davis said the AFP continued to work with state, territory and international law enforcement partners ‘to protect children from harm’.

‘Our common goal is to protect children, wherever they live, and to ensure anyone who tries to harm them is identified and brought before the courts,’ he added. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Akers said child exploitation ‘in any form’ was ‘reprehensible’.

‘NT Police will continue to work tirelessly with our partners in law enforcement to ensure the safety of children everywhere,’ he said. 

‘This investigation shows the importance of multi-agency operations working together to apprehend those in our community who pose a serious risk to those who are the most vulnerable.’