A 22-year-old Ainslie man has been charged with possessing child abuse material following a police operation yesterday, Tuesday 7 December.  

In May 2021, members of the ACT Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) received information from a foreign law enforcement agency regarding IP addresses being used to download child abuse material.  

After a seven-month investigation, JACET officers and members of the Criminal Investigations Major Crime city team, AFP Victim Identification and AFP Digital Forensics teams executed a search warrant at an Ainslie residence yesterday.  

Numerous electronic devices containing child abuse material were seized during the warrant. 

The 22-year-old man was subsequently arrested.  

The man has been charged with three counts of possessing child abuse material. Bail will be opposed.  

Further analysis is being conducted on the devices seized and police expect to lay additional charges. 

Conviction of these charges is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

Anyone with information regarding the accessing or creation of child exploitation material is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously. 

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