Australia has charged four men with numerous crimes related to possessing and distributing "satanic" child sex abuse material. The New South Wales police, who executed six search warrants at several addresses in Sydney last week, claim that the men were part of an international network that shared disturbing videos featuring children as young as 12 being abused and tortured in rituals linked to Satanism.
The operation, codenamed Strike Force Constantine, uncovered a paedophile ring based in Sydney. The police said they seized thousands of videos depicting child abuse involving symbols and occult themes. The men, aged 26, 39, 42, and 46, were arrested on Thursday and face over 20 charges, including possessing and distributing child abuse material, bestiality, and drug-related offenses.
The police stated that the group's online platform allowed them to share and discuss the abuse of children without being detected. They did not verify where the abuse material was produced or identified any of the victims. However, they are working with international partners to identify the children involved in the abuse.
Superintendent Jayne Doherty, commander of the sex crimes squad, said that officers were concerned about any potential contact between the children and the accused men. She stated that police will allege in court that the group was sharing material depicting child abuse and torture involving symbols linked to Satanism and occult rituals.
The four men were refused bail and are set to appear in court next month. Authorities have confirmed that none of the men recorded the videos themselves, but their actions are now subject to investigation. The case highlights the growing concern over online child sex abuse material and the importance of international cooperation in identifying and prosecuting offenders.
The operation, codenamed Strike Force Constantine, uncovered a paedophile ring based in Sydney. The police said they seized thousands of videos depicting child abuse involving symbols and occult themes. The men, aged 26, 39, 42, and 46, were arrested on Thursday and face over 20 charges, including possessing and distributing child abuse material, bestiality, and drug-related offenses.
The police stated that the group's online platform allowed them to share and discuss the abuse of children without being detected. They did not verify where the abuse material was produced or identified any of the victims. However, they are working with international partners to identify the children involved in the abuse.
Superintendent Jayne Doherty, commander of the sex crimes squad, said that officers were concerned about any potential contact between the children and the accused men. She stated that police will allege in court that the group was sharing material depicting child abuse and torture involving symbols linked to Satanism and occult rituals.
The four men were refused bail and are set to appear in court next month. Authorities have confirmed that none of the men recorded the videos themselves, but their actions are now subject to investigation. The case highlights the growing concern over online child sex abuse material and the importance of international cooperation in identifying and prosecuting offenders.