Police Target Sadistic Network of Exploiting Australian Children, 59 People Identified so Far

A decentralised online crime network which forces young Australians to self-harm is the target of a new taskforce.Two girls discuss apps on their phones. Sean Gallup/Getty Images11/2/2025|Updated: 11/2/2025Warning: This story contains material which some people may find confronting and disturbing. Fifty-nine Australians have been identified as being members of a decentralised online network responsible for what the Australian Federal Police (AFP) describe as “the sadistic exploitation of Australia’s youth,” as well as a range of other crimes.Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.Author’s Selected Articles