Man in Australia charged with abuse of 459 children

A man who “actively targeted” children on social media and gaming platforms has been charged with hundreds of child-abuse related offences against 459 victims in Australia and 15 other countries, the BBC writes, referring to Queensland police.

The 27-year-old, who has been in custody since last February, has been charged with 596 offences after police found more 23,000 videos and images of the alleged abuse on his electronic devices.

The man created numerous fake profiles on various internet platforms, pretending to be both a man and a woman. By gaining the trust of children, he manipulated them in different ways and forced them to send him sexually explicit photos or videos.

A senior detective from the Queensland Police said that so far, 360 victims have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. He added that the police are working with international partners to identify victims and provide them with appropriate support․

Speaking to reporters he declined to name the sites used by the man but said they were “very popular”. All the offending was online, he said, and other suspects were also being investigated.