An operation by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has resulted in seven men being charged, 12,115 pieces of child sexual abuse material being located, and one child victim being rescued.
New details have emerged about Operation AB, which uncovered a network of seven New Zealand offenders sharing illegal material. Two suspects were referred to police, while three are now deceased.
The operation began in October 2020 after a tip-off from the US-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about an offender distributing child abuse material via an online messaging platform. DIA’s Digital Child Exploitation Team (DCET) and New Zealand Police investigated, ultimately laying 41 charges against the men, including indecent acts on a child and the creation, possession, and distribution of objectionable material.
One offender, a 55-year-old, was sentenced to over four years in prison after pleading guilty to an indecent act on a child. Another was found with more than 900 images and videos depicting adult men sexually abusing children, including infants subjected to clear and deliberate pain and suffering.
“These individuals were part of a network of offenders with a sexual interest in the sadistic abuse of babies and children,” said Tim Houston, Manager of the Digital Child Exploitation Team. “The material shared was horrendous, and it was imperative that we brought them to justice before they could do even more damage.”
Houston stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling such cases.
“The dedicated investigators and forensic specialists from the Department, New Zealand Police, Customs Service, and Oranga Tamariki have worked tirelessly for four years to identify, investigate, and prosecute those responsible.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Kepal Richards of New Zealand Police added: “Working collaboratively with partner agencies is critical to preventing harm in our communities. Operation AB is a strong example of our collective efforts holding offenders accountable and safeguarding children from further harm.”
Key outcomes from Operation AB:
•A 53-year-old Invercargill offender, granted permanent name suppression, sentenced to 4 years 3 months in prison.
•A 55-year-old Invercargill nurse, granted permanent name suppression, sentenced to 4 years in prison.
•A 57-year-old Wellington man, granted permanent name suppression, sentenced to 8 months home detention.
•Brendan Goodley sentenced to 1 year 2 months in prison.
About the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team (DCET)
The DCET works to protect New Zealanders from online harm by preventing and responding to the spread of child sexual abuse material.
In 2023 alone, the team conducted 47 investigations, uncovering nearly 3 million pieces of illegal material and blocking over one million attempts to access websites hosting child abuse content through their filtering system.
Support for victims and families
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to monitor their children’s online activities and seek advice at KeepItRealOnline.govt.nz.
To report a crime or suspicious behaviour, contact the DIA Digital Child Exploitation Team or police. For urgent cases where a child is at immediate risk, call 111.
If you are a victim of abuse or need support:
•KidsHealth Child Abuse Directory
•Safe to Talk: 0800 044 334 or text 4334
For concerns about someone’s sexual behaviour, contact:
•Safe Network: 09 377 9898
•WellStop: 04 566 4745
•STOP: 03 353 0257
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