A Sydney childcare worker has been hit with 129 new charges related to the creation of child abuse material. The man, who has remained in custody since his arrest in July 2025, now faces a total of 137 charges.
The additional charges were laid during a brief hearing at Parramatta Local Court on Friday. These include 68 counts of production of child abuse material, 29 counts of filming a person engaged in a private act without consent, and 11 counts of aggravated use of a child under 14 years to produce child abuse material.
Some of these new offences carry a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. Due to a court non-publication order, the man’s identity and his previous workplaces cannot be disclosed.
Operation Moonbi and Digital Evidence
The investigation, known as Operation Moonbi, was launched by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in June 2025. The operation began after the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported that child abuse material had been uploaded online.
Following the report, investigators seized the man’s electronic devices. Forensic experts are now sorting through approximately 550,000 unique files, part of a broader review of 2.4 million electronic files.
The Process of Victim Identification
AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham described the victim identification process as “painstaking and detailed,” noting it can seize months to complete. This rigor is necessary to ensure evidence stands up during a criminal trial.
Police believe the alleged offending occurred over a prolonged period between 2009, and 2025. Superintendent Needham emphasized that the priority is to compile a complete account of the offending to provide appropriate support for impacted families.
The review of seized imagery is currently in its final stages. Impacted families are expected to be notified in the coming weeks. The case has been adjourned until July.
Sexual assault support services:
- NSW Health Sexual Assault Services
- NSW Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017
- NSW Victims Services on 1800 633 063
- Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service on 1800 211 028
- Bravehearts (support for child sexual abuse survivors) on 1800 272 831
- Child Protection Helpline on 132 111
- MARS Australia (for men affected by rape and sexual abuse) on (07) 3857 1222
- National Survivors Foundation on 1300 124 433
- Full Stop Australia on 1800 385 578
Frequently Asked Questions
How many total charges is the accused facing?
The man faces a total of 137 charges, which includes seven initial counts and 129 new offences.
What is the maximum penalty for some of the new charges?
The maximum penalty for some of the new charges is 20 years’ imprisonment.
What is the timeframe of the alleged offending?
Police believe the alleged offending occurred between 2009 and 2025.
How can digital forensic advancements better support the identification of victims in large-scale abuse cases?
