AFP says victim identification nearing completion as NSW childcare worker faces 129 additional charges

Content warning: This article contains references to alleged child abuse offences and may be distressing for some readers.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) says families believed to be impacted will be contacted in the coming weeks after investigators laid a further 129 child abuse-related charges against a Sydney childcare worker already in custody, bringing the total number of alleged offences to 137.

The accused, who cannot be named due to active non-publication orders, reappeared in Parramatta Local Court on 17 April. The AFP confirmed the additional charges followed an extensive forensic examination of electronic devices seized as part of Operation Moonbi.

According to the AFP, the investigation commenced in June 2025 after a referral from the U.S. based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which reported an online user allegedly uploading child abuse material. Australian authorities subsequently linked the activity to the Sydney man and executed a search warrant, seizing multiple devices for further analysis.

AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said investigators and digital forensic specialists had been reviewing approximately 2.4 million electronic files to determine the scale of alleged offending and identify victims.

“We know matters like this are a parent’s worst nightmare,” Det Supt Needham said.

He added that the review of seized imagery was now in its final stages, with impacted families expected to be contacted directly once identification processes were complete.

The AFP also confirmed a secure victim portal would be made available to provide updates, information and support resources for affected families.

The charges span alleged conduct between 2009 and 2025 and include offences relating to the production of child abuse material, filming private acts without consent, using children under 14 for the production of abuse material, aggravated offences, sexual touching of a child under 10, and possession of child abuse material obtained via a carriage service.

The matter is expected to be closely monitored across the early childhood education and care sector, where child safety systems, recruitment and screening processes, supervision practices and incident response frameworks remain under heightened national scrutiny.

While the allegations remain before the courts, the case is likely to renew discussion about workforce screening, information-sharing between employers, safeguarding culture, and the responsibilities of approved providers and service leaders in maintaining robust child protection systems.

The AFP has urged anyone with information relevant to Operation Moonbi to contact Crime Stoppers.

Support and resources

If this story raises concerns or distress, support is available:

• 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au
• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Blue Knot Foundation – 1300 657 380 (support for adult survivors of trauma and abuse)
• Bravehearts – 1800 272 831 (child safety support and counselling)
• If a child is in immediate danger, contact Police on 000

Read the full police announcement here.