The 32-year-old appeared in the Rotorua District Court on Tuesday. Photo: 123RF
A Rotorua man has been sentenced to three years and 11 months in prison for the export and distribution of material depicting child sex abuse.
The 32-year-old appeared in the Rotorua District Court on Tuesday.
In February last year, an overseas-based app notified Customs of a New Zealander sharing child sexual abuse material on its platform.
Customs confirmed the man's identity and searched his house in Mangakakahi in Rotorua.
Analysis of electronic items seized found further videos of child sexual abuse being shared via a messaging app.
He was arrested and found guilty on all charges following a trial in July.
"Customs and our partner agencies in New Zealand share vital intelligence with our international partners so we can effectively target and arrest those who prey on children," acting chief Customs officer child exploitation operations Team Kesta Dennison said.
"This man had been using dark web apps to access horrendous videos of child abuse, which he then shared through a messaging app.
"Customs is pleased he has been held accountable and that we have put a stop to his offending."