June 6, 2020
Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested nine men in relation to an alleged child abuse network that was filmed, photographed and shared online.
Releasing details of the investigation it said operated across three states, the AFP said 40 charges had been laid.
At least 14 children have been removed from harmful situations.
The investigation began in February after a tip-off from US authorities.
Two men aged in their 20s were arrested on Thursday at Kendall on the New South Wales Mid North Coast and have each been charged with offences relating to the harm and exploitation of children.
The AFP will allege the pair were part of an online network that abused Australian children and recorded the crimes to share with others.
Police said the arrests were linked to alleged criminal activity across New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.
Kendall is the same town where toddler William Tyrrell disappeared in 2014.
The two men lived there at the time, but there is no indication they are suspects in that case.
