Trio charged over child exploitation including one-month-old baby
Three people have been charged in north Queensland following the exploitation of children, including a one-month-old baby.
A 64-year-old man and two women – aged 38 and 41 – have been taken into custody following a Queensland Police operation.
The trio face a raft of charges including extortion, domestic violence and child exploitation.
Detective Senior Sergeant David Miles says police are aware of two, possibly three, victims ranging in age between one month and 14 years.
"These three people are part of a network we will allege that's been established to share these children for the purpose of gratification of individuals," Det Sen Sgt Miles said.
"Opportunities were made for individuals to be at certain locations for the purpose of accessing these children."
Police expect further people to be charged.
They have sourced evidence from a broad range of digital imagery including mobile phones, SD cards used on computers and social media.
Officers have been investigating the alleged offences for three months, but are searching data back at least two years to determine how long they have been occurring.
Police say child exploitation is becoming more prevalent in the community due to the nature of digital media.
The trio will face Townsville Magistrates Court on Friday.
If found guilty they face up to 25 years in jail for the offences.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
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