SYDNEY — A 52-year-old man was charged after authorities found a large quantity of child abuse material concealed in his underwear and shoes upon his arrival at Sydney Airport from Fiji on June 25.
Australian Border Force officers stopped the man for screening and discovered illegal content on his phone. He allegedly admitted deleting images before landing. Further searches revealed additional devices, including phones, a tablet, a smartwatch, a hard drive, and a laptop.
During a frisk, officers uncovered five hard drives hidden in his shoes and one more concealed in his underwear.
The man faces charges including importation of child abuse material, using a carriage service to transmit illegal content, and obstructing officials. He was refused bail and is scheduled to reappear in court on August 19.
Acting Superintendent Michael Mahony praised the officers’ efforts, emphasizing the case as a stark example of criminals’ extreme tactics and the ongoing commitment to protect children.
