Crime and Public Safety

Police Target ‘Sadistic’ Network of Exploiting Australian Children, 59 People Identified so Far

A decentralised online crime network which forces young Australians to self-harm is the target of a new taskforce.
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Police Target ‘Sadistic’ Network of Exploiting Australian Children, 59 People Identified so Far
Two girls discuss apps on their phones. Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Rex Widerstrom
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Warning: This story contains material which some people may find confronting and disturbing. 

Fifty-nine Australians have been identified as being members of a decentralised online network responsible for what the Australian Federal Police (AFP) describe as “the sadistic exploitation of Australia’s youth,” as well as a range of other crimes.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.