Malaysian caught with child exploitation material in Australia

Source: Australian Border Force

PETALING JAYA: A 36-year-old Malaysian has been arrested and charged after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly found child exploitation material on his mobile phone at Perth International Airport.

The suspect appeared in the Perth Magistrate's Court on Saturday (March 16).

ABF reported on its website that its officers stopped the man for a baggage examination after he arrived on a flight from Kuala Lumpur on Friday (March 15).

"During the examination of his mobile phone, officers allegedly found abhorrent material, including a video depicting the sexual abuse of a child.

"Officers seized the phone and cancelled his visitor's visa," stated ABF.

The statement further stated that the unnamed man has been charged with "one count of Importation of a Prohibited Import being Tier 2 goods under s.233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901".

Acting ABF Regional Commander for Western Australia, Emma Newman, said the ABF was committed to doing all it could to prevent the importation of abhorrent material into Australia.

"Visitors should be aware that possession of child exploitation material is viewed very seriously under Australian law," Acting Commander Newman said.

"The maximum penalty for the importation of child exploitation material is 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to AU$525,000 (RM1.52mil)," said ABF.