Fifth man arrested over satanic child abuse ring

A fifth man has been charged after a search in Sydney as part of an investigation into an alleged international satanic child sexual-abuse material ring; he was refused bail. Four others were arrested in November and several defendants are due to appear in court next week.

A fifth man has been charged in relation to an alleged international satanic child sexual-abuse material ring, police announced. NSW Police set up Strike Force Constantine last year to investigate online distribution of material described as having ritualistic or satanic themes. Detectives arrested four men in November after executing several warrants, and further inquiries led to another search at a Sydney Olympic Park address this week. Police reported they seized electronic devices and a small quantity of illicit drugs, and the newly charged man was refused bail. Known details: - NSW Police established Strike Force Constantine to probe online distribution of child sexual-abuse material with ritualistic or satanic themes. - Four men were arrested in November and charged; three are due to appear in court on January 27 and one on January 29. - Police executed a search warrant at a Sydney Olympic Park address on Thursday and arrested David Turner, 42; he faces multiple charges including using carriage services to access and make child abuse material available and possessing prohibited drugs. - Turner was refused bail and was due to appear at Burwood Local Court; investigators say the strike force inquiry is ongoing. Summary: Police say the investigation into the online network is active and further inquiries are under way. Multiple defendants are scheduled to appear in local courts next week and legal processes are continuing.