Northern Territory Police have charged two men and seized multiple electronic devices as part of three separate investigations, involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF), targeting online child exploitation.

The outcomes are being highlighted during National Child Protection Week as police reinforce the importance of protecting children from online exploitation.

In the first investigation, the Northern Territory Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (NT JACET) received information from Western Australia Police alleging a 60-year-old man had used a video chat platform to engage online in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

On 31 August 2026, NT JACET, investigators from NT Police and AFP, with assistance from ABF officers, executed a search warrant at a residence in Fannie Bay.

Electronic devices were seized during the search and allegedly contained evidence corroborating the victim’s account.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Accessing child abuse material
• Using a carriage service for sexual activity with a person under 16
• Using a carriage service to groom a person under 16.

In a separate investigation, the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) provided intelligence relating to cryptocurrency transactions suspected of being used to access online child abuse material.

The NT JACET commenced an investigation in April 2026 and, following extensive inquiries, executed a search warrant at a residence in Gunn on 1 September 2026, assisted by ABF investigators.

Electronic devices allegedly linked to the offending were located. The electronic devices were seized for further forensic examination.

A 75-year-old man was arrested and charged with accessing child pornography and accessing child abuse material.

In the third investigation, the ACCCE received a report from the United States National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about an online user in the Northern Territory allegedly uploading child abuse material online.

The matter was referred to the NT JACET for investigation.

On 2 September 2026, NT JACET investigators executed a search warrant at a Humpty Doo residence, with assistance from ABF officers.

A number of devices were seized and will undergo further digital forensic examination. This investigation remains ongoing.

In the lead-up to National Child Protection Week, the Northern Territory Police Reportable Offender Management Unit, in conjunction with the Domestic and Family Violence Unit, also conducted compliance checks on individuals listed on the Child Protection Offender Registry.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Cronin said the arrests highlight that online offending could be detected regardless of where or how it occurred.

“Those who use online platforms to access, share or produce child abuse material should understand that their activity leaves a digital trail.

“Our investigators work closely with interstate, federal and international partner agencies to identify alleged offenders and, most importantly, protect children from further harm.

“Child abuse material is not just content on a screen. It is evidence of the real abuse and exploitation of a child, and every time it is accessed or shared, that harm is repeated.

“Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. If you become aware of concerning online behaviour involving a child, report it immediately.

AFP Detective acting Superintendent Teagan McClure said the AFP’s collaboration with law enforcement partners is vital to identify, disrupt and bring to justice those who prey on children online.

“The internet does not provide anonymity, nor does it provide protection from real-world consequences. NT JACET and its law enforcement partners have the tools and capabilities to identify alleged offenders and bring them before the courts,” a/Supt McClure said. 

“Children deserve safety, dignity and protection — and the AFP remains committed to its pursuit of anyone involved in online child exploitation.”  

ABF Superintendent Amanda Coppleman said partnering with all relevant state, territory, and federal agencies puts offenders on notice that all law enforcement is on the look out to stop this predatory behaviour.

“ABF officers across the country take action daily to prevent child abuse material crossing the Australian border – increasing awareness around child abuse material ensures we are not masking the topic anymore – as this year's theme highlights, every conversation matters,” Supt Coppleman said.

“Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community is a priority for the ABF, we will continue to target and identify those who intend to bring abhorrent material to our shores and potentially harm innocent victims.”

Members of the public can report suspected online child sexual exploitation to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation at accce.gov.au/report.

If a child is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).