Second Epstein-style case emerges: 360 children victimized

A striking case has come to light in the Australian state of Queensland, revealing the extent of child abuse. It has been announced that 27-year-old Ethan Burns-Dederer, a resident of the city of Maryborough, has been arrested on charges involving numerous young boys between the ages of 5 and 15. Authorities stated that 360 victims have been identified to date, but the total number of targeted children is as high as 459.

In the extensive investigation, it was reported that police reached approximately 23 thousand files and materials, which were identified as child sexual abuse material. It was revealed that Burns-Dederer also stored images of children in countries other than Australia, and it was noted that the victims are located in 15 countries.

The suspect will be brought to court on a total of 596 charges, including creating 244 separate pieces of child abuse material, 163 counts of illegally transporting children under the age of 16, and 87 counts of engaging in online sexual activity with children.

It is alleged that social media and digital gaming platforms were used by the suspect to communicate with the victims. Denzil Clark from the Queensland Police Service stated in a press release that the investigation is being conducted in cooperation with both national and international experts. Clark stated, "It was determined that the suspect recorded the sexually explicit materials he sent to the children and forced the victims to send similar materials in the online environment."

While authorities reported that the cases identified so far occurred between 2018 and 2025, they emphasized that efforts to identify victims are continuing meticulously. Burns-Dederer, who is in custody, is expected to appear in court in the coming days. The incident appears to have ignited a new debate in the country regarding child safety and the regulation of digital environments.

News Source: 12punto