Customs and Border Protection continues to crackdown on child pornography by arresting two men in Perth over the last 24 hours for the importation of child pornography into Australia.

Customs and Border Protection National Manager Investigations Richard Janeczko said today that child pornography is not a victimless crime with the children involved being the real victims.

"Australia takes its role in preventing the international movement of such material very seriously," he said.

A 39-year-old Indonesian man was arrested and charged by Customs and Border Protection investigators at Perth International Airport this morning for the importation of child pornography.

The man was stopped for questioning by Customs and Border Protection officers when he arrived on a flight from Singapore.  During an examination of the man's baggage officers discovered child pornography held on an external hard drive.

In a separate case, a 34-year-old Chinese national was arrested and charged by Customs and Border Protection yesterday when he attempted to leave Australia on a flight to Hong Kong. The man was the subject of a Customs and Border Protection investigation for importing videos containing child pornography when he entered Australia through Perth airport last year.

The importation of child pornography is illegal under s233BAB of the Customs Act 1901. 

Both men appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court today and were bailed to appear before the court again on 19 March and 2 April respectively.

The maximum penalty for importing child pornography when dealt with on indictment is $275,000 and/or 10 years imprisonment.

Media enquiries:
For further details contact Customs and Border Protection Communication and Media (02) 6275 6793