Following an American FBI probe that became fatal for two agents, more than a dozen individuals have been accused of sex crimes in Australia.
Authorities revealed on Tuesday that 19 males had been detained and charged with a total of 138 offences in relation to a global paedophile ring.
“We will allege that these men were members of a technologically sophisticated online child abuse network that was operating across the country,” Australian Federal Police Commander Helen Schneider told news outlets.
Authorities claim that two of the suspects have already received convictions and sentences.
The sentences for those found guilty range from five to fifteen years in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, respectively.
The circumstances of the victims have not been made public, despite the fact that thirteen kids were saved during the operation.
Following a fatal shootout involving FBI agents and an American suspect connected to the criminal organisation, the Australian probe got underway.
Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger, two FBI special agents, died in 2021 while attempting to carry out a Florida search warrant for child pornography.
The 55-year-old suspect David Lee Huber killed the two agents and injured three others by firing a rifle through the door. After that, he shot himself in the head.
“[Alfin and Schwartzenberger] were the best the FBI has to offer. Laura was not only a colleague but a close friend. You will not find more stalwart, honorable and hardworking agents than Dan and Laura,” former FBI Special Agent Nicole Parker said.
Parker worked in the Miami Division of the organisation and pens columns of opinion for Fox News Digital.
“We often spoke and Laura struggled with the darkness she saw, but her faith in God carried her through. These are the fine men and women that make the FBI proud.”
“There is so much scandal these days but this is the work the FBI should be focusing on. I will not allow her legacy to be tainted by those who are ruining the reputation of the entire FBI,” Parker said.
