A Malaysian man visiting Australia on a tourist visa has been arrested at Gold Coast Airport after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers discovered alleged child exploitation material.
Officers stopped the man for questioning as he arrived on a flight from Malaysia yesterday (October 11).
During a baggage examination, officers discovered the material on an electronic device. He was transferred to the Southport Police Station watchhouse and the ABF charged him with Import Tier 2 goods, namely Child Exploitation Material, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901.
Superintendent Enforcement Command, Matt Stock, said the ABF is committed to detecting and seizing materials such as this to protect the community.
“The ABF will not tolerate attempts to import highly objectionable and offensive materials such as these. Our very strong message to anyone thinking about doing so is that you will be arrested and charged and face the full strength of the law,” Superintendent Stock said.
“Through intelligence sharing with our international partners, ABF officers will use the extent of their powers to bring people who act in this abhorrent way to justice. Whether you are in Australia or abroad, this behaviour will not be accepted,” he said.
The maximum penalty for an individual for the importation or exportation of child exploitation material is $525,000 and/or imprisonment for 10 years.
The man will face a bail hearing today at Southport Magistrates Court.