Investigation Background and Timeline
The Australian Federal Police launched Operation Moonbi in June 2025 after receiving a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the upload of child abuse material online. This led to the identification of a 35-year-old man from Glossodia in Sydney’s northwest. A search warrant executed on 20 June 2025 resulted in the seizure of electronic devices for forensic examination.
Initial charges were laid on 10 July 2025, with additional charges added in April, June and July 2026. The man has remained in custody since his arrest, and his Working With Children accreditation was suspended at that time.
Scale of Alleged Offending
The man faces 329 charges allegedly committed over a 16-year period from 2009 to 2025. These include 162 counts of producing child abuse material under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), 81 counts of filming a person engaged in a private act without consent (aggravated), and multiple counts involving the use of children under 14 years for the production of child abuse material.
Additional charges cover offences such as intentionally sexually touching a child under 10 years and transmitting child abuse material using a carriage service under the Criminal Code (Cth). The alleged offending is said to have occurred at five facilities, comprising four childcare centres and the man’s own private business, though he worked at or attended 62 early childhood education facilities during the period.
Victim Identification and Family Notifications
More than 120 impacted families have been contacted by the AFP. Investigators have positively identified 136 victims depicted in the material, with families located across Australia and internationally. The comprehensive review involved analysis of 2.4 million electronic files across 12 search warrants.
A multi-agency Local Contact Point has been established to provide parents and carers with information on the man’s employment history and access to support resources. This coordinated response involves NSW Health, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, and the NSW Early Learning Commission.
Legal Proceedings and Court Developments
The non-publication order was discontinued at court on 13 July 2026, allowing details of the investigation to be made public. The man remains before the courts facing the full suite of charges. Each offence carries potential imprisonment penalties, with the aggravated use of a child under 14 years for production of child abuse material carrying a maximum of 20 years.
AFP Acting Commander Luke Needham emphasised the thorough nature of the investigation, noting the time, skill and determination required to review 16 years of alleged offending.
Photo by Nikolas Gannon on Unsplash
Role of the Australian Federal Police and Partners
The AFP’s efforts form part of the broader work of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, which drives a collaborative national approach to combating child abuse. The centre brings together specialist expertise to support investigations into online child sexual exploitation and develop prevention strategies.
Multi-agency collaboration has been central, with NSW Police Force and other bodies contributing to evidence gathering and victim support. The investigation highlights the AFP’s focus on identifying victims and providing tailored assistance based on individual circumstances.
Impact on Families and the Community
The revelations have caused significant distress for affected families. The AFP has urged any victim-survivors or those impacted by the news to seek support or speak with a trusted person. The establishment of the Local Contact Point aims to assist parents and carers in understanding the man’s employment history and accessing appropriate help.
Community members are encouraged to report any information about people involved in child abuse to the ACCCE or call police on 000 if a child is at immediate risk.
Support Services and Resources Available
Families and individuals affected can access support through the ACCCE website, which provides details on online child sexual exploitation and reporting mechanisms. The ThinkUKnow program, an AFP-led education initiative, offers advice for parents and carers on protecting children online.
Additional resources are available via the coordinated Local Contact Point website activated on 13 July 2026, linking to services from partner agencies including NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice.
Prevention Efforts and Reporting Mechanisms
The case underscores the importance of vigilance in early childhood education settings and the role of technology in detecting and disrupting child exploitation. The ACCCE continues to focus on creating a safer online environment through collaborative strategies.
Members of the public with information are urged to contact the ACCCE reporting portal. Education programs like ThinkUKnow provide practical guidance for families on recognising and preventing online risks to children.
Photo by Nikolas Gannon on Unsplash
Broader Context of Child Protection in Australia
Australian law enforcement agencies, including the AFP, maintain dedicated operations to address child abuse material and exploitation. Legislative frameworks such as the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) and the Criminal Code (Cth) provide the basis for charging and prosecuting such offences.
The use of the term “child abuse material” reflects updates to Commonwealth legislation in 2019 to more accurately describe the gravity of these crimes and the harm to victims.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Investigations
The AFP and partner agencies remain committed to stopping child exploitation. The Local Contact Point will continue to serve as a resource for impacted families while the matter proceeds through the courts.
Investigators continue to analyse evidence and support victims, with the emphasis on comprehensive victim identification and appropriate assistance for those affected.