Australian Federal Police are investigating whether former Sydney childcare worker Hamish Tait, who faces 329 child abuse-related charges, also targeted children in a remote Indigenous community while working in early childhood education.
Tait, 35, was first arrested in July 2025 under Operation Moonbi after investigators allegedly linked him to the online upload of child abuse material following a tip-off from the U.S.-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). He has remained in custody since his arrest.
According to investigators, Tait worked at or attended 62 childcare centres across New South Wales between 2009 and 2025, primarily in Sydney’s north-west, but police are also examining his time spent in remote Indigenous communities, fearing vulnerable children may have been among his alleged victims.
The AFP alleges Tait’s offending involved 136 identified child victims, while 22 additional alleged victims are yet to be identified. He faces charges including producing child abuse material, filming children during private acts without consent, and using children under the age of 14 to create abuse material.
Investigators have reviewed more than 2.4 million electronic files and contacted 121 families in Australia and overseas. Authorities have established a dedicated public information website listing Tait’s employment history and are urging families whose children attended the listed childcare centres to seek information and support if needed.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and further victims or charges may emerge as forensic examinations continue.
