AFP investigates Sydney man over alleged child abuse material as 137 charges laid in Operation Moonbi

The Australian Federal Police is urgently working to identify children in alleged abuse material found on devices seized from a Sydney man, as investigators review millions of files. The man, who has been in custody since July 2025, faced Parramatta Local Court on Friday where he was hit with a further 129 child abuse-related offences allegedly spanning more than 15 years. Operation Moonbi began in June 2025 after the AFP received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about an online user uploading a file depicting child abuse. Investigators linked the alleged activity to the Sydney man and executed a search warrant at a home on June 20, 2025, seizing multiple electronic devices for forensic examination. The AFP allege initial analysis of the devices uncovered child abuse material, leading to eight charges being laid on July 10, 2025. Further forensic review has since allegedly identified a large volume of additional material, resulting in the latest round of charges filed in court. AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said investigators were working continuously to assess the scale of the alleged offending and identify victims. “We know matters like this are a parent’s worst nightmare, and we have investigators and digital forensic experts working around the clock to methodically review 2.4 million electronic files,” Superintendent Needham said. “Our priority is to analyse all available evidence and engage impacted families as soon as possible. “It is important we compile a complete account of the offending, so the appropriate support is provided for the specific individual circumstances of each impacted family. “The victim identification process in alleged child abuse matters is a painstaking and detailed process that can take months to carry out, but it is crucial we identify all the victims and capture the evidence in a way that will stand up to the rigours of a criminal trial. “The review of seized imagery is in its final stages, and impacted families are expected to be notified in the coming weeks.” The man now faces a total of 137 charges, including 68 counts of production of child abuse material, 29 counts of filming a person engaged in a private act without consent (aggravated), and three counts of filming a person’s private parts without consent (aggravated). He is also charged with 18 counts of using a child under 14 for the production of child abuse material, 11 counts of aggravated use of a child under 14, seven counts of intentionally sexually touching a child under 10, and one count of possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service. Each offence carries significant penalties, with aggravated use of a child under 14 for production of child abuse material carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. Superintendent Needham said the alleged offending spans from 2009 to 2025. “The AFP is following well-developed and practised processes to ensure that impacted families receive the support they need, while ensuring that evidence is obtained correctly and in the appropriate format for a successful criminal prosecution,” he said. “Further information will be provided directly to impacted families as soon as possible, and there will also be a secure victim portal to receive information, updates and access to support resources. A non-publication order remains in place preventing the identification of the man and his previous employment. Superintendent Needham said if a parent or guardian would like to share information with investigators, they can email op-moonbi@afp.gov.au.