Maryborough Man Charged with 596 Child Abuse Offenses in Operation Xray Wick
A 27-year-old man from Maryborough, Queensland, has been charged with 596 child abuse-related offenses. This follows an extensive investigation by Queensland Police, known as Operation Xray Wick. The charges involve allegations related to 459 victims across Australia and 15 international countries, with authorities reportedly seizing over 23,000 videos and images.
Investigation Leads to Arrest
The individual, identified as Ethan Burns-Dederer, has been in custody since February of last year. Operation Xray Wick commenced in February last year after electronic devices were seized from Mr. Burns-Dederer's residence in Maryborough.
Specialist investigators conducted digital forensic examinations over approximately one year. This forensic work reportedly uncovered the extensive volume of alleged child abuse material.
Extensive Allegations and Global Scope
Police allege the seized materials involve 459 victims, spanning Australia and 15 international countries. Charges have been filed in relation to 259 identified victims, while authorities have reported that 360 victims have been identified to date. Investigations are ongoing, with Queensland Police collaborating with national and international specialists to identify further victims and provide support.
Mr. Burns-Dederer is alleged to have targeted victims on social media and gaming platforms between 2018 and 2025.
The alleged victims were primarily male children, reportedly aged between five and 15 years. Police allege he created multiple fake online profiles, posing as both males and females, to groom, coerce, and threaten young people into sending sexually explicit material. He is further alleged to have recorded these interactions and meticulously saved images and videos into specific folders.
Specific Charges Laid
The 596 charges laid against Mr. Burns-Dederer include:
- 244 counts of producing child abuse material via a carriage service.
- 163 counts of using a carriage service to procure individuals under 16 years of age.
- 87 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child using a carriage service.
Court Appearance and Public Safety Message
Mr. Burns-Dederer is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark of Crime Command has noted the increasing prevalence of children being groomed, coerced, or threatened into sending sexual images of themselves through online platforms.
Police have encouraged parents and caregivers to implement active measures for online safety and urged members of the public with information about child sexual abuse and online exploitation to contact authorities.