Australian police said in June that four men were formally charged for their involvement in a network that distributed child sexual abuse material with “satanic” references.
The arrests follow an investigation into “an international network dedicated to disseminating satanic child abuse content,” according to a statement from New South Wales State Police.
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– During the investigation, investigators identified a pedophile group based in Sydney, involved in the possession, sharing and facilitation of this type of material through a website operating overseas – the company said.
The four suspects were arrested on Thursday (27) in Sydney, including a 26-year-old man identified as the leader of the organisation. He faces 14 charges, including using telecommunications services to distribute child abuse material.
The other three detainees, ages 39, 42, and 46, were found in a residential building and also face several charges related to possessing and publishing this type of content.
Detective Inspector Jane Doherty, from the Sexual Crimes Unit, told a press conference that the nature of the material and conversations analyzed raised concerns about potential contact between the accused and children.
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During the operation, several electronic devices were confiscated, containing “extensive and deplorable” video clips of attacks committed against children between the ages of 5 and 12, in addition to recordings related to animals.
“Unfortunately, the circulation of material related to child abuse is increasing,” highlighted Doherty. She added that police efforts are continuing to identify the victims and rescue them as quickly as possible.
Authorities also reported that it was not possible to determine where the videos were produced or to identify all of the children depicted.
The four suspects have been released on bail and are expected to appear in court again in the next stages of the process.