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A Victorian man has pleaded guilty to five charges related to the sexual abuse of children in the Philippines.
Phillip John Cooper pleaded guilty to in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday to soliciting child porn, engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16 in the Philippines, causing child abuse material to be sent to him, possessing child abuse material, and intent to engage in sexual intercourse with a child under 16.
Cooper was arrested on November 7, 2019, after being stopped by authorities at Melbourne Airport.
A subsequent search of his home turned up videos of Cooper engaging in sexual activity with female Filipino children, police say.
Nine children, including some as young as two years old, were rescued in the Philippines in February after a tip-off from Australian Federal Police.
Philippine National Police launched an operation on February 3, 2021, in Angeles City, north of the capital Manila, that also led to the arrest of a 42-year-old woman for her alleged role as the facilitator.
The children, aged between two and 16 years old, were removed from harm after the AFP alerted the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Centre.
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Cooper will next appear in the County Court on August 25.
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