Melbourne Man Sentenced for Dark Web Child Grooming and Abuse

• •A 78-year-old Melbourne man was sentenced for grooming children on the dark web.
• •He operated an invite-only site that facilitated sexual conversations with minors.
• •The investigation led to the seizure of multiple devices containing child abuse material.

A 78-year-old man from Ringwood East, Melbourne, has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison for grooming children and sharing child abuse material on a dark web site he administered. The man operated an invite-only platform that facilitated sexual conversations with boys aged eight to 14, recruiting victims both locally and internationally. The investigation, initiated in June 2022, led to police raids in July 2023, where authorities seized multiple digital devices and physical media containing child abuse material. He pleaded guilty to 11 charges related to child abuse, including possession and distribution of abusive content. The Australian Federal Police have emphasized the seriousness of online child exploitation and the commitment to prosecuting offenders. This case follows the dismantling of a larger child abuse ring involving over 35 individuals across Victoria and New South Wales. The Australian government is expanding resources for child sexual abuse prevention.