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'Justin Bieber impostor' on 931 child sex-related charges | 'Justin Bieber impostor' on 931 child sex-related charges |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A man who posed as Justin Bieber online has been charged with more than 900 child sex-related crimes in Australia. | A man who posed as Justin Bieber online has been charged with more than 900 child sex-related crimes in Australia. |
The man, 42, masqueraded as the Canadian singer to gain explicit images from children, Queensland Police said. | The man, 42, masqueraded as the Canadian singer to gain explicit images from children, Queensland Police said. |
He was charged with 931 crimes, including three of rape, involving 157 alleged victims across the globe. | He was charged with 931 crimes, including three of rape, involving 157 alleged victims across the globe. |
Detective Inspector Jon Rouse called the allegations "frankly horrendous" and warned young fans of the singer and parents to be vigilant. | Detective Inspector Jon Rouse called the allegations "frankly horrendous" and warned young fans of the singer and parents to be vigilant. |
"The fact that so many children could believe that they were communicating with this particular celebrity highlights the need for a serious rethink about the way that we as a society educate our children about online safety," said Mr Rouse. | "The fact that so many children could believe that they were communicating with this particular celebrity highlights the need for a serious rethink about the way that we as a society educate our children about online safety," said Mr Rouse. |
Queensland Police confirmed the investigation also involved international authorities. According to local media they are German police and US Homeland Security. | Queensland Police confirmed the investigation also involved international authorities. According to local media they are German police and US Homeland Security. |
Of the alleged victims, 50 were in the US, up to 20 were in the UK and six were in Australia, police said. More precise information was still being gathered. | |
The man was already facing charges in Queensland of possessing exploitative material and grooming children, but the 931 charges were added this week after police searched his computer. | The man was already facing charges in Queensland of possessing exploitative material and grooming children, but the 931 charges were added this week after police searched his computer. |
He had been using "multiple online platforms" including Facebook and Skype to communicate with children, police said. | He had been using "multiple online platforms" including Facebook and Skype to communicate with children, police said. |
The fresh claims, dating back to 2007, include three charges of rape and five of indecently treating a child under 12. | The fresh claims, dating back to 2007, include three charges of rape and five of indecently treating a child under 12. |
Mr Rouse said the allegations showed "the global reach and skill that child sex offenders have to groom and seduce victims". | Mr Rouse said the allegations showed "the global reach and skill that child sex offenders have to groom and seduce victims". |
He urged parents to help keep children safe online. | He urged parents to help keep children safe online. |
The accused man will face a Brisbane court on 6 April. | The accused man will face a Brisbane court on 6 April. |