Queensland man charged with 596 child abuse offences after alleged online grooming

Police say a 27-year-old man from Maryborough used false online identities to groom children; he faces 596 charges and is due to appear in a Brisbane court today.

Police say a 27-year-old man from Maryborough used false identities online to groom children. He was arrested in February 2025 and was refused bail. Police announced he faces a total of 596 charges and is due to appear in a Brisbane court today. Authorities named the investigation Xray Wick and said identifying victims from electronic material required prolonged, coordinated work. Key details: - Police allege the man created multiple online profiles and used them to groom and coerce children. - He was arrested in February 2025, remains in custody, and is due to appear in a Brisbane court today. - Investigators have identified 259 child victims so far and say inquiries with interstate and international agencies are ongoing. Summary: Police described the alleged offending as extremely concerning and said the investigation involved child abuse detectives and digital forensic teams working with interstate and overseas partners. The man is due before a Brisbane court today and criminal proceedings are underway. Investigations into additional victims and evidence continue.