A man from Queensland appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday, 30 October, facing charges related to sexually abusing a child in Cyprus.
According to Queensland police, the investigation commenced following a report received by Cyprus police from a member of the public who observed an adult male engaged in suspicious activity with a child on a deserted beach in Protaras.
After further inquiries, the Cyprus police identified the individual as an Australian man travelling in Cyprus and promptly alerted members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) stationed at the embassy in Beirut.
The AFP Beirut Post established contact with the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) and the Brisbane Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team in Queensland.
Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at the man’s residence on October 21, 2023, leading to the seizure of clothing items believed to link the man to the alleged offence.
The man has been arrested and charged with one count of engaging in sexual intercourse with a child outside Australia, carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Superintendent Sascha Austin stressed the AFP’s dedication to investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual abuse on a global scale.
Austin highlighted, “This arrest should serve as a warning that law enforcement is dedicated to fighting child sexual abuse and bringing those who commit these offences before the court no matter where they occur.”
“The prompt response of AFP Beirut Post and the willingness of the investigators to proceed with the information provided by Cyprus Police indicates that international police cooperation can save lives and souls, especially of the unprotected ones, such as children, and bring offenders to justice,” he added.
Cyprus police Superintendent B’, Kiriaki Lambrianidou said that the Safeguarding Subdirectorate of Cyprus police remained dedicated to investigating such heinous crimes, and regardless of the origin of the perpetrator or the victim, efforts are systematic and ongoing.
