NSW police say they have uncovered an “international satanic child sex abuse material ring” and charged four Australians for their alleged involvement.
Detectives from the sex crimes squad said that as part of Strike Force Constantine, an investigation into the online distribution of child sexual abuse material involving ritualistic or satanic themes, they disrupted a Sydney-based network.
In a statement, police alleged the network was actively involved in possessing, distributing and facilitating this material through a website that was “administered internationally”.
Detectives, accompanied by the riot squad, carried out six search warrants in Waterloo, Ultimo and Malabar on Thursday morning last week.
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At the Waterloo address, police arrested a 26-year-old man who they alleged played a “leading role” in the group.
The man was charged with numerous offences including possession of child abuse material, making available child abuse material, and disseminating and possessing bestiality material.
He was refused bail to appear in court last Friday.
At a unit block in Malabar, detectives arrested three men aged 46, 42 and 39. They were also charged with possession of child abuse material and other charges.
All four are due to return to court at a later date.
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