Australian Police Charge Four Over "Satanic" Child Sex Abuse Material Ring in Sydney
Australian authorities have leveled charges against four individuals in Sydney following a significant police operation targeting an alleged "international satanic child sex abuse material ring." New South Wales (NSW) police announced on Monday that the men face dozens of criminal offenses. The arrests were made last week after six search warrants were executed across various Sydney addresses.
Uncovering the Network: Strike Force Constantine
The four men, aged 26, 39, 42, and 46, were apprehended on Thursday. This extensive investigation, codenamed Strike Force Constantine, uncovered a network operating out of Sydney that was allegedly involved in distributing child abuse material with deeply disturbing "ritualistic or satanic themes." Police indicated that this material was circulated via an internationally administered website.
Footage released by the police showed officers, clad in tactical gear, forcibly entering an apartment and taking one of the suspects into custody. According to authorities, the 26-year-old man is believed to have played a leading role within the group.
Dozens of Charges and Denied Bail
The charges against the men encompass over 20 offenses, primarily related to the possession and distribution of child abuse material, as well as bestiality. Some individuals also face additional charges for drug possession, failing to comply with reporting obligations, and contravening prohibition orders. All four men were denied bail.
Thousands of Abusive Videos Seized
Superintendent Jayne Doherty, commander of the sex crimes squad, revealed that officers had seized thousands of videos depicting the abuse of children as young as 12, including infants. "Police will allege in court that this international group were engaging in conversations and the sharing of material which depicted child abuse and the torture of children involving symbols and rituals linked to Satanism and the occult," Doherty stated.
While the police have not yet verified the origin of the abuse material or identified any of the child victims, Doherty expressed concerns about any children these individuals might have contacted. Authorities do not currently believe the arrested men recorded the material themselves. Investigations are ongoing, with officers collaborating with international partners to identify and assist the victims. The four men are slated to appear in court again in late January.
