Sex offenders charged after allegedly grooming girls on social media

A group of 11 men, including four reportable sex offenders, have been charged after allegedly grooming 140 girls on social media.

In April, detectives from the Sex Offender Management Squad discovered a reportable offender was allegedly having inappropriate online and physical contact with a youth.

Further investigations uncovered a total of 11 men, aged between 18 and 41, involved in the alleged sex ring.

“The majority of offences are non-physical communication via popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, and via mobile phones,” Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Daly said.

“This contact allegedly breaches the accused persons’ obligations as a Reportable Offender and further to that constitutes ‘grooming’ – whereby the offender is attempting to build a relationship with the youth to ultimately engage in sexual contact with them”.

“Mobile phones and the ongoing rise of social media platforms provides offenders with new ways to reach out to youths in order to commit crimes and we’re working hard to crackdown on this behaviour.”

Of the 140 youths identified to date, 23 are alleged to have been the victim of sexual offending. 

The youths range in age from 13 to 19.

State Crime Assistant Commissioner Brad Royce said Operation Timing Belt began as a result of proactive work undertaken by the Sex Offender Management Squad (SOMS) to ensure reportable offenders were meeting their obligations.

“Operation Timing Belt serves as a reminder to parents and guardians to know the online habits of your children,” Mr Royce said.

“You wouldn’t let a stranger into your home if they randomly knocked on the front door – likewise, you shouldn’t allow someone to access your online profile unless you know them.

“Timing Belt also serves as a reminder to Reportable Offenders – we are watching you closely and we are proactively conducting compliance checks to ensure you are meeting your legal obligations.”

There are about 3700 Reportable Offenders in Western Australia.

In the 2019/20 financial year, SOMS conducted almost 4000 legislated reporting meetings, and more than 3600 unannounced home visits.

Mr Royce said the primary focus of WA Police Force was the welfare of victims.

“WA Police Force works closely with other agencies to ensure victims of crime can access support services,” he said.

Operation Timing Belt is continuing and anyone with concerns about inappropriate contact with children is encourage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppperswa.com.au.