A childcare worker in Sydney has been charged with using children to create child abuse material. This follows an investigation that uncovered over half a million unique images on devices seized from his home. Due to a court order, the man’s identity cannot be disclosed.

He faces seven charges related to the use of a child under 14 years to produce child abuse material. Three of these charges involve aggravating circumstances. Additionally, he is charged with possessing child abuse data.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed the man’s arrest in July as part of a broader investigation into online child abuse material. A search warrant executed at his residence the previous month led to the seizure of multiple electronic devices for forensic examination.

According to AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham, the devices contained approximately 1.4 million files, with around 550,000 identified as unique images. "The number of files does not provide any indication of the scale of the alleged offending," Needham stated. "Rather, this indicates the volume of work required by investigators from the AFP's Victim Identification Team."

Superintendent Needham added that officers are continuing to methodically review the electronic material. The court order not only protects the man’s identity but also prohibits the publication of any information that could reveal his current or past workplaces. This measure aims to prevent psychological harm and avoid undue distress to those involved in the legal proceedings.

The case is scheduled to be heard in Parramatta Local Court on Friday.