NSW Police Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged a man following an investigation into alleged offenders using cryptocurrency to buy child abuse material.
Strike Force Angle is an ongoing investigation by State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad to investigate the scope and means by which offenders are using cryptocurrency to disseminate, purchase and produce Child Abuse Material online.
Following extensive inquiries, at around 10am on Tuesday, strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Mount Austin and arrested a 39-year-old man.
During the search, detectives seized three computers, mobile phones, hard drives and other storage devices allegedly containing more than 1,000 files of child abuse photos, videos and bestiality material.
The 39-year-old man was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station where he was charged with four counts of possess child abuse material, person possesses bestiality material and produce child abuse material.
He was formally refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday 22 April.
Detectives will allege in court the 39-year-old man purchased the material from the darknet using cryptocurrency.
Commander of the Cybercrime Squad, Detective Acting Superintendent Jason Smith, said people who rely on the Darknet or encryption to avoid detection are not safe.
“It does not provide the anonymity they expect. Our investigators have the capability, the willingness and tenacity to unmask these offenders and bring them to justice”, Det A/Supt Smith said.
“There is no online environment – hidden or otherwise – where individuals accessing or exchanging child abuse material are safe from law enforcement. We remain committed to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.”
“Those who choose to engage in this type of offending should be aware that our teams work tirelessly to uncover it. We will continue to pursue individuals involved in the exploitation of children, wherever they operate online.”
Inquiries under Strike Force Angle are ongoing.
