A former Sydney daycare worker has been charged with 137 offences related to child abuse material, following a nine-month forensic investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The man is accused of filming children under his care at multiple centers between 2009 and 2025.
Charges
The 137 total charges include:
- 68 counts of production of child abuse material
- 29 counts of filming a person engaged in a private act without consent
- 18 counts of using a child under 14 years for the production of child abuse material
- 11 counts of aggravated use of a child under 14 years for the production of child abuse material
- 11 counts of aggravated sexual touching of a child
- 7 counts of sexual touching of a child
- Other offences include intentionally sexually touching a child under 10 years and possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained via a carriage service
Some charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment. The alleged offending is reported to have occurred between 2009 and 2025.
Investigation Background
The investigation, code-named Operation Moonbi, began in June 2025 after the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported that child abuse material had been uploaded online. The AFP linked the man to alleged illegal online activity following this report.
On June 20, 2025, police conducted a search of the man's home and seized multiple electronic devices. Initial forensic examination led to the first eight charges in July 2025. Further forensic analysis of the seized devices allegedly identified a large volume of child abuse material, resulting in the additional 129 charges.
Investigators and digital forensic experts have reviewed approximately 2.4 million electronic files over a nine-month period. The AFP stated the review is in its final stages.
Alleged Actions
According to investigators, the man allegedly filmed children while they were under his care at multiple daycare centers. The sexual touching charges relate to allegations that he undressed children to film them. Investigators stated they have not found evidence of sexual abuse beyond the alleged undressing and filming.
Legal Proceedings
The man reappeared in Parramatta Local Court where the additional charges were laid. He has been in custody since his initial arrest in July 2025 and has not yet entered a plea. A court non-publication order prohibits the identification of the man or his previous employment. The case has been adjourned until July.
Investigation Status
The AFP is currently working to identify children depicted in the alleged material found on the devices. AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham stated the victim identification process in such cases can take months.
According to Needham, impacted families are expected to be notified in the coming weeks. A secure victim portal will be established to provide information, updates, and access to support resources. The AFP stated it is following established processes to ensure families receive support while evidence is obtained for prosecution.
Contact Information
Parents or guardians with information can share it with investigators via email at op-moonbi@afp.gov.au.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).