Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a man believed to be one of biggest self-producers of online bestiality content in the state under Strike Force Trawler.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by Sex Crimes Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
In February 2024, strike force detectives executed search warrants across the greater Sydney area targeting the online sharing and promotion of child abuse material, which led them to the online profile of a user under the pseudonym 'Beast Boy'.
Further enquiries identified 'Beast Boy' had a large online presence and used encrypted messaging apps to allegedly share bestiality material, which featured the sexual abuse of various animals such as dogs, sheep, goats, chickens and a dead kangaroo.
About 7.30am yesterday (Tuesday 30 April 2024), strike force detectives – with assistance from officers attached to Manning Great Lakes Police District and the Rescue & Bomb Disposal Unit – executed a search warrant in Moorland, about 30km north of Taree, where they arrested a 38-year-old man.
A dog, who was identified as one of the animals allegedly sexually abused, was seized by the RSPCA NSW.
Police also seized electronics and hard drives which will be subject to further forensic examination.
The man was taken to Taree Police Station, where he was charged with eight counts of bestiality, six counts of producing bestiality material, four counts of disseminating bestiality material, as well as possessing child abuse material, and using a carriage service to access and solicit child abuse material – with more charges expected.
He was refused bail and appeared in Taree Local Court yesterday.
Inquiries under Strike Force Trawler continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
