Taskforce Argos arrests nine in child exploitation operations

Nine people have been charged following the closure of two operations targeting online grooming of children and the trade of child exploitation material via the internet.

Detectives from the State Crime Operations Command Taskforce Argos have this week closed phases of Operation Hotel Quiet and Hotel Beau. Both operations commenced in September this year and focused on use of the internet to commit serious offences.

Operation Hotel Quiet targeted offenders who used the internet to trade and distribute child exploitation material.  During the operation, 13 search warrants were executed on addresses in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns.

A total of 6 people have been charged between September and October with further arrests pending. These include:

    •     A 33-year-old Cleveland man charged with one count of use carriage service to access child pornography material and two counts of using a carriage service to transmit child pornography material
    •     A 24-year-old Ormiston man charged with one count each of possess child exploitation material and use carriage service to access child pornography material
    •     A 53-year-old Windsor man charged with three counts of possess child exploitation material and one count of use carriage service to access child pornography material
    •     A 48-year-old Mudgeeraba man charged with three counts of use carriage service to access child pornography material
    •     A 46-year-old Cairns man charged with one count each of possess child exploitation material and use carriage service to access child pornography material and also possession of dangerous drugs and utensils
    •     A 49-year-old Kangaroo Point man charged with nine counts of possess child exploitation material and one count of use carriage service to access child pornography material

Operation Hotel Beau targeted offenders using the internet to access and groom children for sexual purposes.  In three separate investigations, it will be alleged the offenders engaged in sexually explicit conversations and acts online prior to arranging to meet children to engage in sexual activity.

A total of three people have been charged.  This includes:

    •     A 24-year-old Gold Coast man charged with six counts of using a carriage service to procure a child under 16, three counts of using a carriage service to expose a child under 16 to indecent matter, five counts of using a carriage service to groom a child under 16 two counts of unlawful carnal knowledge, one count of using a carriage service to cause a child under 16 to transmit child pornography material and one count of using a carriage service to harass.  Ten child victims were identified and removed from further harm.
    •     A 29-year-old Lawnton man charged with two counts of use internet to expose a child under 16 to indecent material, one count of using a carriage service to procure a child under 16, one count of using a carriage service to groom a child under 16 
    •     A 59-year-old North Lakes man charged with four counts of use internet to expose a child under 16 to indecent material, one count of using a carriage service to procure a child under 16, one count of using a carriage service to groom a child under 16

Acting Detective Superintendent Cameron Harsley of Taskforce Argos said the arrests are a clear indication the Queensland Police Service will continue to target those who exploit children.

“We are pleased with the success of these operations. We are sending a clear message to those who use peer 2 peer networks and social networking sites for illegal purposes. We will continue to stay one step ahead of you and it is only a matter of time before you are identified and prosecuted,” Acting Detective Superintendent Harsley said.

“What is most concerning and will be alleged is that of the three arrested as part of Operation Beau, two were arrested while on their way to meet children and the third succeeded in personal contact with children. It will be alleged these were meetings planned during the grooming process,” he said.

With Christmas holidays approaching, parents are reminded to remain vigilant regarding their children’s access and use of computers. 

“Now is the time for parents to take a look at the strategies to protect their children online. If you have no internet safety rules in place, I strongly encourage you to develop some. If you have established internet safety rules, take the time to review them to ensure they continue to meet your family’s needs and adequately address the constant changes and advances in technology.

“The recently updated Queensland Police Service “Who’s chatting to your kids?” brochure provides some valuable insights and advice to parents regarding how to keep your children safe on the internet,” Acting Detective Superintendent Harsley said.

All nine people charged as part of these operations will appear in court in the coming weeks.

More information including a downloadable copy of the “Who’s chatting to your kids?” brochure can be located on the police website at www.police.qld.gov.au.

Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day. Crime Stoppers is a charitable community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.