Man Charged with 596 Child Abuse Offenses Following Major Queensland Police Investigation
A 27-year-old man from Maryborough, Queensland, Ethan Burns-Dederer, has been charged with 596 child abuse-related offenses following an investigation by Queensland Police. Police allege the charges relate to 459 alleged victims across Australia and 15 international countries, with materials allegedly collected between 2018 and 2025.
Ethan Burns-Dederer faces 596 charges involving 459 alleged victims across Australia and 15 international countries, following a Queensland Police investigation that uncovered over 23,000 videos and images.
Investigation Details
The investigation, known as Operation Xray Wick, commenced in February of last year. Police initiated the operation after electronic devices were seized from Mr. Burns-Dederer's Maryborough residence. Over the subsequent year, specialist investigators conducted digital forensic examinations of these devices.
These examinations allegedly uncovered over 23,000 videos and images. Police assert these materials are linked to 459 victims across multiple jurisdictions within Australia and internationally.
Authorities allege Mr. Burns-Dederer targeted victims, primarily male children aged between five and 15 years old, via social media and gaming platforms. It is further alleged that he created multiple fake online profiles, both male and female, which he used to groom, coerce, and threaten young individuals into sending sexually explicit material. Police also allege he recorded interactions with victims and saved images and videos into specific folders.
The alleged offenses occurred between 2018 and 2025, prior to Mr. Burns-Dederer's arrest in February of last year.
Charges Filed
Mr. Burns-Dederer faces a total of 596 charges, which include:
- 244 counts of producing child abuse material via a carriage service.
- 163 counts of using a carriage service to procure individuals under 16 years of age.
- 87 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child using a carriage service.
Police have stated that 360 victims have been identified, with charges filed relating to 259 identified victim children.
Judicial Process
Mr. Burns-Dederer has been in custody since his arrest and is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Police Response and Ongoing Efforts
Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark of Crime Command stated that Queensland Police are collaborating with national and international specialists to identify victims and provide support. Alleged victims have been identified in 15 countries. Investigations are ongoing, and police encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Police also urged parents and caregivers to implement active measures for online safety, noting an alleged increase in children being groomed, coerced, or threatened into sending sexual images of themselves via popular apps, games, and social media sites.