Former Sydney childcare worker charged with 329 offences against 136 children

Australia federal police have contacted more than 120 families as they investigate alleged offending by a former Sydney childcare worker.

The man, 35, has been charged with 329 offences allegedly committed over a 16-year period against 136 victims.

The charges include 162 counts of producing child abuse material, 24 counts of using a child under 14 for the production of child abuse material, and 18 counts of intentionally sexually touching a child under 10 years old.

The AFP began investigating in June last year after a report about an online user uploading a file depicting child abuse.

Police linked the man to the alleged activity and executed a search warrant in Glossodia, in Sydney’s north-west.

The man was arrested and charged in July, and his working for children accreditation was suspended.

The man worked at or attended 62 early childhood education facilities, but mostly worked in Sydney’s north-west.

Police allege he committed multiple offences against children at five facilities, including four childcare centres and his own private business.

AFP acting commander Luke Needham said police had been in contact with 121 families, based around Australia and internationally, “who we have positively identified their child as being depicted in child abuse material”.

“Operation Moonbi has spanned 12 months and involved the analysis of 2.4 million electronic files, 12 search warrants and countless hours trying to uncover the scale of the man’s alleged offending,” Needham said.

“We urge any victim-survivors to seek support or talk to a trusted person if today’s news has caused distress.”