A 49-year-old Queensland man has been refused bail after being charged with allegedly attempting to procure children overseas for sexual exploitation.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the man was arrested at Sydney Airport on Tuesday after authorities searched his luggage upon arrival in Australia.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege that child abuse material was found on his electronic devices during the search. Police further allege that the man communicated with third parties in the Philippines and offered 30,000 Philippine pesos  approximately A$730, in an attempt to obtain children for sexual exploitation.

He has been charged with several offences, including possessing or obtaining child abuse material outside Australia, using a carriage service to plan sexual activity with a person under the age of 16, and procuring a child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia. The procurement offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.

The accused was refused bail and is expected to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court at a later date.

AFP Superintendent Luke Needham said investigations remain ongoing, with officers continuing forensic examinations of the man’s electronic devices, cloud accounts and financial transactions. According to ABC News, the AFP is also liaising with international partners, including counterparts in the Philippines, to identify any potential victims.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) said its officers play a key role in detecting and preventing the movement of child abuse material across Australia’s borders.

Authorities have urged anyone with information relating to child exploitation to contact the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation. Investigations are continuing.