This article contains details that may disturb some viewers.
Australian Federal Police have arrested nine men in relation to an alleged online child sex abuse ring.
The arrests follow an investigation across three states and saw 14 children rescued, according to police.
The investigation was sparked by a tip off from the US in February.
On Thursday (local time), two men in their 20s were arrested in New South Wales and have been charged with child harm and exploitation offences.
Police allege the pair were part of an online network which abused children and shared videos of the abuse online.
Their arrests follow five other men in New South Wales and two other men in Queensland and western Australia.
Assistant Commissioner Lesa Gale said the child abuse ring is the biggest and "most horrific" that has been uncovered in Australia.
Gale said the investigation "has shaken" some of the most seasoned officers.
"We suspect this is the biggest domestic child exploitation network uncovered in recent times," Gale said.
"A total of 40 charges have been laid, with three of the men facing life imprisonment."
Gale said this type of offending is becoming more brazen and involves younger children.
All of the victims were boys between four and seven years old, according to federal police.
Police said more abusers connected with the ring are expected to be uncovered.
If you have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment or assault and would like to speak to someone, you could call the HELP support service.
- Auckland: (09) 623 1700 or visit helpauckland.org.nz
- Wellington: (04) 801 6655 or visit wellingtonhelp.org.nz
