Australian Federal Police reveals insights into online child exploitation investigations

The Australian Federal Police's Child Protection Triage Unit (CPTU) has reported over 58,000 cases of online child exploitation in the past year. Investigators prioritize identifying new victims and tracking repeat offenders, especially those in trusted positions like teachers and childcare workers. Most reports come from the U.S. National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, highlighting the international nature of the issue. The CPTU handles a range of cases, from low-level images to severe abuse, and recently identified a child and arrested an offender within hours of receiving a high-priority report. Despite the distressing nature of their work, CPTU members find it rewarding to rescue children from harm. The Australian Federal Police provides ongoing psychological support to staff, ensuring their well-being while they confront challenging material.