NSW Police Uncover International Child Exploitation Network, Six Arrested in Sydney

An ongoing investigation by NSW Police's Strike Force Constantine has uncovered an alleged international child exploitation network, leading to the arrest of six men in Sydney and the identification of 145 alleged offenders across multiple countries. The network is accused of online distribution of child sexual abuse material, including content reportedly with ritualistic themes. Separately, Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police have charged another man with child abuse material offenses following an interception at Sydney Airport.

Strike Force Constantine Uncovers Global Child Exploitation Network

NSW Police’s Strike Force Constantine, initiated by the child exploitation internet unit, has focused on an alleged international child exploitation network. This network is accused of online distribution of child sexual abuse material, reportedly featuring ritualistic or satanic themes. Authorities have described the content as among the most extreme seen.

Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty stated that the network’s international footprint has been mapped, facilitating further investigations abroad.

Evidence gathered has identified 145 alleged offenders in other countries. Referrals have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies in Australia, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, New Zealand, South America, and Southeast Asia, with investigations for suspects ongoing across these regions.

Six Men Arrested and Charged in Sydney

Six men have been arrested in Sydney in connection with the alleged network. Five of these individuals were previously charged, with a sixth individual arrested on Tuesday, March X.

Allegations against the syndicate include at least 50 individual child abuse images, at least 10 child abuse videos, and at least 100 images disseminated, along with a significant volume of material related to the physical and sexual abuse of animals.

The individuals charged are:

Colin Milne (62)

Arrested on Tuesday following a search of a property in Woollahra, he faces charges including using a carriage service to transmit and access child abuse material, disseminating bestiality and animal crush material, and participating in a criminal group. Prosecutors stated his devices showed use of encrypted networks, and the content reportedly involved very young children and animals. He was refused bail and scheduled to appear in a Sydney local court on Wednesday. Police have indicated this individual is believed to be the final New South Wales-based offender directly linked to this specific international network.

Landon Ashton Versace Germanotta-Mills (26)

Charged with multiple child abuse and bestiality material offenses. He remains in custody.

Benjamin Raymond Drysdale

Charged with child abuse material offenses and refused bail.

Mark Andrew Sendecky (42)

Arrested in Malabar. Charged with child abuse material offenses and refused bail.

Stuart Woods Riches

Charged with child abuse material offenses and refused bail.

David Turner (42)

A former police officer, he was arrested in Sydney Olympic Park and charged with child abuse and bestiality material offenses. Methamphetamine and ketamine were also seized during his arrest. He was terminated from his government position.

The five previously charged alleged offenders from New South Wales remain before the courts.

Separate Incident: Man Charged Following Sydney Airport Interception

Separately, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted a 60-year-old man at Sydney Airport on Monday, March X, following his arrival on a flight from Cambodia. Officers searched his luggage and mobile phone.

During an examination of the man's mobile phone, border force officers allegedly found suspected child abuse material. The matter was reported to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for further investigation. AFP officers subsequently examined the phone, where they allegedly discovered child abuse material and conversations involving minors of a sexual nature. A laptop, tablet, and USB found in the man's luggage were seized for forensic analysis.

Further investigations led to the execution of a search warrant at a Leichhardt home, where additional electronic devices underwent forensic examinations.

The man was charged with possession or control of child abuse material obtained using a carriage service, intentionally importing prohibited tier two goods without approval, and two counts of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material. He was scheduled to appear at Parramatta Court on Tuesday, March X.

Ongoing Investigations

Investigations into both the international network and the individual airport interception remain ongoing.