NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald:“It’s beyond the realms of anyone’s imagination what this person did to these children.”Credit:AFP
All the alleged victims were prepubescent girls,and police investigated more than 4000 videos and images online on the dark web.
Police have identified 87 Australian children,including 64 from Queensland and 23 from NSW,and their families have been informed.
Some alleged victims are now older than 18.
A further four children were overseas and police were working to identify them.
Gough said she knew the news would be deeply distressing for many in the community.
“This is chilling news,” she said,adding that all child abuse was abhorrent.
NSW Police issued a first-instance warrant for the man’s future extradition for the NSW alleged offences,which include 68 counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10,and 42 counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child under 10.
“The man had all the qualifications to work in childcare centres that he worked across Queensland and NSW,” Gough said,adding the case was still before the courts.
Extradition to NSW is not likely to happen before the man has faced,and finalised,his time in the Queensland judicial system. He is facing potential life in prison,if found guilty of some charges,so NSW investigators do not know when,or if,he will face court in Sydney.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said the alleged victims were identified on hard drives after police obtained a search warrant.
“It’s beyond the realms of anyone’s imagination what this person did to these children,” he said.
“I can only say,you try not to be shocked after a long period of time in the police and crime reporting,but this is a horrific case.”
The man’s case is scheduled for the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 21.