The Australian Federal Police (AFP) Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT) has restrained a property in Cooma believed to be worth $370,000 following charges against a 71-year-old New South Wales (NSW) man for alleged child abuse material offences. The individual was charged in June 2023 for offences related to possessing, accessing, and transmitting child abuse images and videos via a carriage service. After pleading guilty in July 2024, he will next face court for sentencing in March, 2025.
PHOTO: Inside the restrained Cooma residence CREDIT: AFP
On March 5, 2025, the CACT – which brings together the AFP, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Taxation Office, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, and Australian Border Force – applied to the Supreme Court of NSW to have the alleged offender’s home restrained under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
The restraining order was granted, which prevents the man from disposing of the house, or otherwise benefitting from any sale of the house, until the Supreme Court of NSW makes further orders.
Commander Jason Kennedy of the AFP’s Criminal Assets Confiscation emphasised the significant powers at their disposal to confront such crimes. “Online child abuse is an abhorrent crime, exploiting some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” he stated.
“Operations such as this act as another warning of the consequences offenders who engage in this horrific behaviour can face.”
This case marks the fourth instance where the CACT has restrained the home of an alleged online child sex offender using the Proceeds of Crime Act. Previous cases involved properties in South Australia and the Northern Territory, with significant financial penalties following convictions.
The CACT, established in 2012, targets the illicit wealth of high-profile criminals in Australia.
To date, it has restrained nearly $2 billion in criminal assets. Restraint and forfeiture are enacted on a civil standard of proof, with proceeds designated for community programs addressing crime prevention and drug issues.