New South Wales Police have charged a fifth man with multiple offences as part of their ongoing investigation into an alleged international satanic child sex abuse material ring. This development follows the initial arrests made last year, which targeted a sophisticated paedophile network operating in Sydney.
Strike Force Constantine Investigation
Strike Force Constantine was established by NSW Police last year to specifically investigate the online distribution of child sexual abuse material involving ritualistic or satanic themes. The operation has focused on dismantling networks that exploit vulnerable children through digital platforms.
Latest Arrest and Charges
Following extensive further inquiries, detectives executed a search warrant at an address in Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday. During the operation, police allegedly discovered and seized electronic devices relevant to their investigation into the network, along with a small quantity of methamphetamine and ketamine.
David Turner, aged 42, was arrested at the property and taken to Auburn Police Station. He has been charged with five separate offences, including one count each of using a carriage service to access child abuse material, using a carriage service to make child abuse material available, possession of bestiality material, and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug. Turner was refused bail and appeared in Burwood Local Court on Friday afternoon.
Previous Arrests and Network Details
In November last year, detectives working alongside the riot squad executed six search warrants across Waterloo, Ultimo, and Malabar. This operation led to the arrest of four men who were allegedly active participants in the paedophile network, which was reportedly facilitated through a website administered internationally.
Key Figures in the Network
Among those charged in November was Landon Ashton Versace Germanotta-Mills, a 26-year-old who was arrested at an apartment in inner-city Waterloo. Police allege that Germanotta-Mills played a leading role in the paedophile network. He was found wearing a zebra-print outfit with his face covered by a blue beanie during his arrest.
Germanotta-Mills faces numerous child abuse offences, including seven counts of using a carriage service to make child abuse material available, using a carriage service to access child abuse material, three counts of possessing child abuse data-use carriage service, two counts of disseminating bestiality material, and possessing bestiality material.
Notably, the 26-year-old founded the Underground Media Network, which describes itself as an independent Australian investigative journalism platform committed to exposing institutional failures and the misuse of power. According to its website, the outlet investigates issues including police corruption and child protection matters.
Additional Defendants and Charges
Three other men were arrested at a unit block in Malabar and charged over their alleged involvement in the paedophile network. Stuart Woods Riches, aged 39, faces charges including possessing child abuse material, possessing bestiality material, using a carriage service to access child abuse material, five counts of failing to comply with reporting obligations, and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.
Mark Andrew Sendecky, aged 42, has been charged with possessing child abuse data-use carriage service, using a carriage service to access child abuse material, and possessing child abuse material. Benjamin Raymond Drysdale, aged 46, faces charges of using a carriage service to make child abuse material available, two counts of contravening a prohibition order, two counts of failing to comply with reporting obligations, and possessing a prohibited drug.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
All four men arrested in November currently remain before the courts and are due to face court next week. Riches, Sendecky, and Drysdale are scheduled to appear at Sydney Downing Centre on January 27 for a committal hearing, while Germanotta-Mills will appear on January 29.
Strike Force Constantine investigations continue as police work to dismantle the network completely. Authorities are urging anyone with information about organised criminal activity involving the distribution of child abuse material to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.
