The Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) has announced results from Operation May, targeting online predators attempting to procure children through internet chat lines.
The JACET comprises investigators from Queensland and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) with the Northern Territory and Australian Federal Police forces.
During the operation, investigators executed 19 search warrants at a number of locations around Queensland as well as Darwin, Mataranka, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, MacDonnell Region and Victorian Daly Region in the Northern Territory.
Northern Territory Police also successfully extradited a 52-year-old male from Western Australia.
A total of 15 persons, ranging in age from 21 to 52, were arrested on a total of 45 charges during the operation.
In one case, investigators purporting to be a 12-year-old girl engaged with a 28-year-old male on an online forum where the male arranged to meet the child with the intention of engaging in sexual intercourse.
The male was intercepted upon arrival at the meeting site and subsequently arrested, charged and remanded in custody.
Detective Superintendent Paula Hudson of the Australian Federal Police said the operation was another example of law enforcement’s dedication to working hand-in-hand to protect children, and ensure those suspected of procuring and producing child abuse material were detected and prosecuted.
“This is also a warning to any adult who wants to prey on children online — you may not be talking to a vulnerable child; you could be talking to a police officer,” Detective Superintendent Hudson said.
“The ACCCE, JACET and Northern Territory Police work closely together and have a range of skills and tactics to expose you and bring you to justice,” she said.
