Alleged child trafficker arrested at airport for offering $700 overseas

A 49-year-old man from Australia was detained at the airport, arrested on suspicion of attempting to pay around $700 to have children procured overseas for the purpose of adoption and sexual abuse.

The individual from Queensland appeared at the NSW Bail Division Courts on February 18 after being stopped by Australian Border Force officers at Sydney Airport the previous day, upon his arrival from China, according to a joint release from the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.

It is alleged by the authorities that upon inspecting his luggage through intelligence-led screening, child abuse material was discovered on his electronic devices. 

Investigators also allegedly found communications with individuals in the Philippines related to obtaining children for sexual acts.

As per the release, police will claim in court that the man offered 30,000 Philippine pesos — around $516 USD — to acquire minors.

The AFP has charged the man with one count of possession, control, production, distribution, or obtaining child abuse material outside Australia; two counts of using a carriage service to plan or prepare for engaging in sexual acts with a minor under 16; and one count of procuring a child for sexual activity abroad, according to the statement. 

The procurement offense carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

He was denied bail and is scheduled to return to Downing Centre Local Court on April 22.