Australian authorities have arrested four men in Sydney as part of an ongoing investigation into what police describe as an alleged international network involved in distributing child abuse material with ritualistic and satanic themes.
Officers say efforts are underway to identify the victims.
Det. Supt. Jayne Doherty, head of the New South Wales Sex Crimes Squad, said investigators allege the suspects shared unlawful content within an international online network. The material is said to involve children and references to ritualistic themes.
Police also reported finding files involving animal abuse during coordinated raids carried out last week.
The investigation, known as Strike Force Constantine, was launched in April to track the online circulation of child abuse material linked to ritualistic or occult narratives.
Police began the operation after receiving intelligence about a Sydney group believed to have ties to a wider international network.
Six search warrants were executed across Sydney, leading to the arrest of four men. A 26-year-old suspect faces charges related to making available and possessing prohibited material.
The other men, aged 46, 42, and 39, have been charged with offenses including possession and distribution of child abuse material. All four have been refused bail and are expected to appear in court in January.
Authorities say they are reviewing thousands of files seized during the operation and are working to identify any additional individuals who may have shared material through encrypted online platforms.
Police have urged anyone with relevant information to assist the investigation as it continues.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
