A Christchurch man has been arrested and charged for allegedly exporting, distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Customs announced the arrest in a statement this afternoon. The 42-year-old was set to appear in Christchurch District Court today.
He faces five charges of “exporting, distributing and possessing objectionable publications”, and one charge of “failing to provide access to a computer system”, Customs said.
“Customs was notified by US-based overseas social media platforms about objectionable video files a New Zealander had allegedly uploaded to social media messenger apps,” the service said.
“Customs’ investigations identified the man and carried out a search warrant at his home address in Linwood this morning.”
Simon Peterson, Customs’ chief officer on the Child Exploitation Operations Team, said the man refused to give officers the pin code to his cellphone — so investigators analysed the phone’s SD card.
“This confirmed he was in possession of numerous videos of child sexual abuse, and he was arrested on site,” Peterson said.
“We have detained the man’s electronic devices for forensic examination. This may result in further charges.”
Anyone with concerns or suspicions about someone who may be trading in or producing child sexual abuse images or videos was urged to contact Customs on 0800 937 768 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
“If you are, or know of, someone who is at risk or being abused, contact the police immediately.”
The maximum penalty for importing or exporting objectionable publications is 10 years’ imprisonment.