In a shocking development that has rocked the literary world, Craig Nicolas Silvey, the acclaimed Australian author behind bestselling novels like Jasper Jones and Honeybee, has been charged with multiple child exploitation offences.
Police Raid and Arrest in Fremantle
According to a statement from Western Australia Police, detectives executed a search warrant at the 43-year-old author's home in Fremantle on Monday, 12 January 2026. During the raid, officers allegedly discovered Silvey 'actively engaging with other child exploitation offenders online'. He was arrested immediately at the scene, and his electronic devices were seized for forensic examination.
Charges Laid in Court
Court documents reveal that Silvey has been formally charged with one count of distributing child exploitation material and one count of possessing child exploitation material. The author, whose celebrated works have garnered a significant international readership, appeared before Fremantle Court on Tuesday following his arrest.
Silvey rose to prominence with his coming-of-age novel Jasper Jones, which was later adapted into a successful film. His more recent novel, Honeybee, also achieved bestseller status, making the allegations against him particularly distressing for his fans and the publishing industry.
Industry Shock and Ongoing Case
The news has sent shockwaves through literary circles in Australia and beyond. Authorities have confirmed the investigation is ongoing. The case highlights the serious and persistent efforts by law enforcement to combat online child exploitation networks. Further details are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings continue.
