‘Deplorable’: cops smash alleged satanic pedophile ring
Melissa Meehan, Alex Mitchell and Farid Farid |
Four alleged members of an international satanic pedophile material ring accused of circulating images of babies being abused have been arrested.
Detectives busted an apparent Sydney-based network they claim possessed, distributed and facilitated child sexual abuse involving ritualistic or satanic themes.
NSW Police executed six search warrants across Sydney late last week, including in Waterloo where they arrested 26-year-old Landon Germanotta-Mills.
Germanotta-Mills, who police allege played a leading role in the group, was charged with numerous offences including making available child abuse, possession of child abuse and disseminating and possessing bestiality material
He faced court on Friday but did not apply for bail and will return to court on January 29.
Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty said initial examination of thousands of images and videos seized showed abuse and torture of children from babies up to 12-year-olds.
The Sex Crimes Squad head noted some files contained bestiality distributed among the international pedophile ring, describing the material seized as “abhorrent … and deplorable.”
“Child abuse and the sharing of child abuse material is a borderless crime that impacts the lives of children that fall victim to these criminals,” she told reporters on Monday.
“The sharing of child abuse material is unfortunately increasing.”
Dept Supt Doherty said the network’s use of occult symbols and rituals in its discussions via encrypted means about the abused children was “devastating”.
Germanotta-Mills describes himself as the founder and editor-in-chief of independent news site the Underground Media Network, which boasts it is committed to “exposing institutional abuse, systemic failures and the misuse of power”.
“Founded by journalist Landon Germanotta-Mills, the platform is survivor-led, trauma-informed, and legally aware – built by and for those impacted by the systems we investigate,” the website reads.
With the help of the riot squad, police also executed search warrants in Ultimo and Malabar.
At a unit block in Malabar, detectives arrested three men who all faced court on Friday, with none applying for bail.
Benjamin Raymond Drysdale, 46, was charged with using a carriage service to make child abuse material along with failing to comply with reporting obligations and a drug possession charge.
Mark Andrew Sendecky, 42, was charged with both possessing and accessing child abuse material.
And Stuart Woods Riches, 39, was charged with possessing bestiality material and accessing child abuse material along with failing to comply with reporting obligations and drug possession.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
AAP
