Police, teachers charged in child porn bust

Date: September 30, 2004
Source: ABC Canberra


One-hundred-and-fifty people, including police officers and teachers, have been arrested in what the Federal Police (AFP) describe as Australia's biggest Internet child pornography bust.

Police have seized computers containing images of children being sexually abused and claim to have uncovered studios making child pornography, hidden in suburban houses.

Those arrested have been charged with offences including child sex tourism, abuse, and downloading or distributing pornographic images of children.

The AFP say hundreds of people across the country will be prosecuted after several hundred homes were raided across Australia.

Acting director of the ACT's Hi-tech Crime Centre Mike Phelan says a number of people who have regular professional contact with children have be caught.

"Also discovered in this investigation is the widespread profile of those involved in this particular crime site," he said.

"It is promoted across all spectres of society and has involved particularly high risk professions and those involved with contact with children, including healthcare professionals, education department officials and those working within the education environment."

West Australian police have arrested 21 people and laid 37 charges, including possessing and supplying child pornography.
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