Childcare student deported over videos allegedly found on phone

Thursday, 26 February 2026 08:10

A Chinese man who flew into South Australia intending to study early childhood education has been deported after border force officers allegedly discovered child abuse material on his mobile phone.

A man who flew into South Australia from China intending to study early childhood education has been intercepted and deported after Australian Border Force officers allegedly discovered child abuse material on his mobile phone.

The man arrived at Adelaide International Airport on Monday, 23 February, holding a valid student visa. However, during a routine baggage examination, ABF officers uncovered 21 videos classified as child abuse material.

The discovery led to the immediate cancellation of the man's visa and a $660 infringement notice being issued. Following the find, the individual was detained and removed from the country on the next available flight.

A man intending to study childcare in Australia has been deported after child abuse material was allegedly found on his phone.

ABF Inspector Mark Vaughan said it was deeply concerning that a man planning to study early childhood education in Australia was found with such abhorrent material exploiting children on his phone.

"This kind of material has no place in Australian society and our officers are always on the lookout for these videos and images coming through our airports," he said.

The incident highlights a significant and ongoing effort by authorities to monitor digital exploitation at the border.

Travellers who have their visas cancelled under these circumstances face a re-entry ban of at least three years, while some cases result in permanent exclusion from Australia.

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