Queensland Man Faces 596 Child Abuse Charges in Global Online Grooming Case
Published 5 February 2026
Highlights
- A 27-year-old Queensland man, Ethan Mitch Burns-Dederer, faces 596 child abuse charges involving 459 victims across 16 countries.
- The alleged offences occurred between 2018 and 2025, primarily targeting boys aged 7 to 15 through social media and gaming platforms.
- Police discovered over 23,000 images and videos, leading to a complex investigation involving international police cooperation.
- Burns-Dederer allegedly used multiple online identities to groom and coerce children into sending explicit material.
- The accused is set to appear in a Brisbane court, with ongoing efforts to identify and support victims.
-
Rewritten Article
Queensland Man Faces 596 Child Abuse Charges in Global Online Grooming Case
A Queensland man has been charged with 596 child abuse offences, marking one of the most extensive cases of online grooming and exploitation in recent years. Ethan Mitch Burns-Dederer, 27, from Maryborough, is accused of targeting 459 children across 16 countries, including over 200 in Australia, through social media and gaming platforms.
Extensive Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Evidence
Burns-Dederer, who has been in custody since February 2025, allegedly used false identities to groom and coerce children, primarily boys aged between 7 and 15, into sending sexually explicit material. Queensland police, in collaboration with international agencies, have identified 259 victims so far, with investigations ongoing to support and identify others.
The investigation, codenamed Xray Wick, revealed over 23,000 images and videos stored on the accused's electronic devices. Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark highlighted the "time, skill, and commitment" required to sift through the vast amount of digital evidence. "The trauma that this causes a child is significant," Clark stated, emphasizing the growing prevalence of such crimes facilitated by popular apps and social media sites.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Support for Victims
Burns-Dederer faces multiple charges, including 244 counts of producing child abuse material and 163 counts of using a carriage service to procure minors. He is due to appear in a Brisbane court on Thursday. The case underscores the critical need for vigilance in protecting children online, with police urging parents and caregivers to take proactive measures.
Acting Chief Superintendent Clark assured that the investigation would continue unabated, with efforts to provide appropriate support to the victims. The case has drawn attention to the importance of international cooperation in tackling online child exploitation.
-
Scenario Analysis
As the legal proceedings against Ethan Mitch Burns-Dederer unfold, the case could set significant precedents in how online grooming and child exploitation cases are prosecuted, particularly those involving international victims. The extensive digital forensic investigation highlights the necessity for robust international police cooperation in addressing such global crimes.
Experts suggest that this case may prompt further scrutiny of social media and gaming platforms, potentially leading to stricter regulations and enhanced safety measures to protect children from online predators. The ongoing support for victims will be crucial in mitigating the long-term psychological impact of such exploitation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive child protection strategies worldwide.
A Queensland man has been charged with 596 child abuse offences, marking one of the most extensive cases of online grooming and exploitation in recent years. Ethan Mitch Burns-Dederer, 27, from Maryborough, is accused of targeting 459 children across 16 countries, including over 200 in Australia, through social media and gaming platforms.
Extensive Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Evidence
Burns-Dederer, who has been in custody since February 2025, allegedly used false identities to groom and coerce children, primarily boys aged between 7 and 15, into sending sexually explicit material. Queensland police, in collaboration with international agencies, have identified 259 victims so far, with investigations ongoing to support and identify others.
The investigation, codenamed Xray Wick, revealed over 23,000 images and videos stored on the accused's electronic devices. Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark highlighted the "time, skill, and commitment" required to sift through the vast amount of digital evidence. "The trauma that this causes a child is significant," Clark stated, emphasizing the growing prevalence of such crimes facilitated by popular apps and social media sites.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Support for Victims
Burns-Dederer faces multiple charges, including 244 counts of producing child abuse material and 163 counts of using a carriage service to procure minors. He is due to appear in a Brisbane court on Thursday. The case underscores the critical need for vigilance in protecting children online, with police urging parents and caregivers to take proactive measures.
Acting Chief Superintendent Clark assured that the investigation would continue unabated, with efforts to provide appropriate support to the victims. The case has drawn attention to the importance of international cooperation in tackling online child exploitation.
What this might mean
As the legal proceedings against Ethan Mitch Burns-Dederer unfold, the case could set significant precedents in how online grooming and child exploitation cases are prosecuted, particularly those involving international victims. The extensive digital forensic investigation highlights the necessity for robust international police cooperation in addressing such global crimes.
Experts suggest that this case may prompt further scrutiny of social media and gaming platforms, potentially leading to stricter regulations and enhanced safety measures to protect children from online predators. The ongoing support for victims will be crucial in mitigating the long-term psychological impact of such exploitation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive child protection strategies worldwide.
