This article contains references to violence and child abuse.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has warned of a "disturbing" new wave of online crime networks targeting underage girls and glorifying "sadistic online exploitation, cyberattacks and violence".
In her first speech at the National Press Club on Wednesday, the new AFP commissioner Krissy Barrett said: "These networks, which I will not name because it will validate the notoriety they crave, are a new and disturbing front in traditional gendered-based violence."
The perpetrators are overwhelmingly young boys and young men from Western English-speaking backgrounds, targeting and exploiting young girls, the commissioner said.
"In Australia, 59 alleged offenders have been identified as being members of some of these prolific decentralised online crime networks," she said.
The AFP, working with domestic and international law enforcement partners, has been involved in nine international and three domestic arrests. Those arrested in Australia were aged between 17 to 20.
New taskforce to tackle online exploitation
Barrett said there are decentralised online crime networks in Australia and offshore "who are glorifying crime online, such as sadistic online exploitation, cyberattacks and violence".
"In this new, twisted type of gamification, perpetrators reach a status or new level in their group when they provide more content showing more extreme acts of depravity and sadism," she said.
A new taskforce will be created to crack down on those involved, who Barrett said are not being motivated by financial or sexual incentives, but rather for "amusement" or "to be popular online".
The girls tended to have low self-esteem, mental health issues and a history of self-harm, she said.
'Heinous' crimes
Barrett also revealed involvement with a Royal Malaysia Police investigation this year that uncovered an alleged international paedophile network accused of sharing child exploitation material online.
"One suspect is accused of the most heinous of crimes — buying infants of Malaysian and Indonesian descent for sexual exploitation," she said.
Twenty children have been identified or rescued as part of the ongoing investigation, Barrett said.
"Unfortunately, two children are believed to be deceased after alleged extended periods of abuse, and a further two children purchased by the suspect remain unaccounted for," she said.
Barrett said the AFP was leading efforts to access suspected evidence on a phone seized from the suspect and would work with partners to determine if any Australians are connected to the alleged paedophile network.
Support is being provided to employees who have watched the "horrific material".
"It is an absolute tragedy that viewing this material is in someone's job description, in anyone's job," she said.
Focus on social cohesion
Previously serving as the agency's deputy commissioner overseeing national security, Barrett was sworn in earlier this month, making history as the first woman to be appointed to the agency's top job.
She told SBS News her leadership would be characterised by a focus on social cohesion and a push to take down state and non-state actors seeking to strike fear within the Australian community.
"To individuals and groups out there looking to tear at our social fabric by causing hatred or fear within the community … they are on notice. We will be taking action," she said at the time.
Barrett said another focus of her tenure would be ensuring the federal police had a healthy workforce.
In August last year, AFP officers walked off the job at major airports during a strike over a pay dispute with the Commonwealth.
Over a 25-year career in law enforcement, Barrett was involved in Solomon Islands peacekeeping efforts and the investigation into the Bali bombings.
She started her career with the AFP as a 21-year-old administrative assistant in its Melbourne office before rising through the ranks to take charge of a position she said she "never imagined" she would hold.
She replaced commissioner Reece Kershaw, who retired after six years in the role, stepping down before his term was set to run out in October 2026.
— With additional reporting from Australian Associated Press
Readers seeking support can ring Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25). More information is available at beyondblue.org.au and lifeline.org.au.
Anyone seeking information or support relating to sexual abuse can contact Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380.
