Timorese national charged after allegedly being found with child porn

The West Australian - Monday, 22 October 2018

A Timorese national will appear in court today on accusations child exploitation material was found on an electrical device he owned.

Australian Border Force officers allegedly found seven videos depicting alleged sexual abuse of children after examining the 35-year-old’s baggage after he arrived in Perth from Denpasar, Indonesia late Saturday night.

Officers seized the device and charged the man one count of importation of a prohibited tier two good.

He is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today after an initial showing in the same court on Sunday.

The maximum penalty for importing this sort of material is 10 years behind bars and or a fine of up to $525,000.

ABF regional commander for WA, Rod O’Donnell, said officers were skilled at identifying people attempting to carry prohibited material across the border.

“Although it is still a small minority of foreign visitors that are found to be in possession of child exploitation material, the numbers remain concerning,” he said.

“Visitors need to be aware that possession of child exploitation material is viewed very seriously under Australian law.

“Tackling child exploitation is an operational priority for the ABF as part of its role protecting the border from individuals who pose a threat to the community.”

Photo: A 35-year-old Timorese national has been arrested and charged by the Australian Border Force.Picture: Australian Border Force

Read more: Earlier this month a 21-year-old Indian student was jailed for eight months after he was found with child pornography on his phone at Perth Airport.