Individuals who pay for child pornography are as guilty as those who make it and should be treated as such.
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Fifteen Australian members of a global pornography network have been arrested after downloading a movie showing the rape of an eight-year-old Russian girl.
The Australian says police in 92 countries are tracking as many as 9000 suspects believed to have downloaded the movie, which was available online for four months last year.
As many as 30 Australians are expected to be charged over the film.
So far, 27 search warrants have been executed in connection with the film, with more expected this week. As a result of the raids, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have seized hundreds of thousands of additional images of child pornography.
AFP manager of high-tech crimes and child protection operations, Neil Gaughan, said the scale of Operation Furious is unprecedented.
"This would be the only time we've undertaken a significant investigation in relation to one file," Mr Gaughan told The Australian.
Mr Gaughan said Operation Furious has resulted in 15 arrests in most states and territories, with more than 40 charges laid.
And more arrests are certain, with the AFP set to execute upwards of 30 warrants.
Those charged included students, petrol station attendants, company directors and IT workers. The alleged offenders range in age from 21 to those in their mid-40s.
All are male and none is believed to have been convicted of prior child sex offences.
