37 year old man facing child exploitation charge in joint OCEANZ and District Child Protection Team investigation

A 37 year old man has been arrested and charged with possession of objectionable material, following a combined investigation by the Police Online Child Exploitation Across New Zealand Unit (OCEANZ) and the Wellington District Child Protection Team (D-CPT).

The man was arrested yesterday afternoon and a search warrant was subsequently executed at his Lower Hutt address.

Wellington District Field Crime Manager Detective Inspector Mike Johnson says on Friday of last week, the OCEANZ online investigation into the identity used by this person, moved to an active investigation phase.

"Police acted swiftly and proactively on the information once an identity and location were established. This result was achieved by using a range of investigative techniques, given the risk posed to young people in New Zealand."

The online investigative work by OCEANZ staff in this case has led overseas, where positive action has been able to be taken and several children who were being abused have been made safe. This clearly demonstrates where these online offenders are transcending international boundaries with this type of activity.

There is international research which states that 80 per cent of offenders who offend online against children, go on to sexually abuse children at some stage.

The 37 year old will appear in the Lower Hutt District Court this morning facing a charge of possession of objectionable material. Investigations are continuing to identify further victims. Further charges are pending and a significant number of enquiries are required to properly consider the evidence gathered yesterday.

Detective Inspector Johnson says child exploitation is an insidious crime and one that is taken extremely seriously by Police.

"Online cyber crime is occurring and parents are encouraged to take a proactive approach in terms of what material their children are accessing online and who they're talking to. I encourage parents and young people to check out useful resources which are available, such as www.netsafe.org.nz to keep themselves safe online."

Detective Inspector Johnson says, "If anyone has any concerns or evidence of this type of activity occurring, I urge you to contact your local Police station or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."