He vowed to uncover harm. Police allege he led a satanic child sex abuse material ring

Four men from an alleged Sydney-based paedophile network — including the founder of an independent news website — were arrested last week.

Four men have been charged for their alleged involvement in an international sex abuse ring. Source: NSW Police / Supplied

Four Australians remain locked up after being charged for alleged involvement in a satanic child sex abuse material ring.

Detectives busted an apparent Sydney-based paedophile network they allege was actively involved in possessing, distributing and facilitating child sexual abuse involving ritualistic or satanic themes.

NSW Police executed six search warrants across Sydney late last week, including in Waterloo, where they arrested 26-year-old Landon Germanotta-Mills.

Germanotta-Mills, who police allege played a leading role in the group, was charged with numerous offences, including making available child abuse, possession of child abuse and disseminating and possessing bestiality material.

He faced court on Friday but did not apply for bail, and will return to court on 29 January.

Police arrested the group in the Sydney suburbs of Waterloo and Malabar. Source: NSW Police / Supplied

Germanotta-Mills describes himself as the founder and editor-in-chief of independent news site the Underground Media Network, which boasts it is committed to "exposing institutional abuse, systemic failures and the misuse of power".

"Founded by journalist Landon Germanotta-Mills, the platform is survivor-led, trauma-informed, and legally aware — built by and for those impacted by the systems we investigate," the website reads.

With the help of the riot squad, police also executed search warrants in Ultimo and Malabar.

At a unit block in Malabar, detectives arrested three men who all faced court on Friday, with none applying for bail.

Benjamin Raymond Drysdale, 46, was charged with using a carriage service to make child abuse material, along with failing to comply with reporting obligations and a drug possession charge.

Mark Andrew Sendecky, 42, was charged with both possessing and accessing child abuse material.

And Stuart Woods Riches, 39, was charged with possessing bestiality material and accessing child abuse material, along with failing to comply with reporting obligations and drug possession.

NSW Police's sex crimes squad lead detective superintendent Jayne Doherty was expected to address the media about the allegations on Monday.

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.

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