Prolific Child Abuser Identified
Hamish Tait, Sydney childcare worker, faces 329 child abuse charges across 62 centers.
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Key Points
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The suspect has been publicly identified as Hamish Alexander Edward Tait; he was arrested by the Australian Federal Police in July 2025, and authorities released heart-wrenching photographs to help identify 22 more victims.
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Investigators say the alleged abuse spanned 62 centres over the suspect's career, but the abuse has been identified at only about 10 of those centres, with roughly 158 alleged victims found in the files (136 identified, 22 still unidentified).
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The initial trigger for the case came after the US-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children alerted Australian authorities that child abuse material had been uploaded online.
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Authorities have seized about 2.5 million files and are reviewing roughly 2.4 million electronic files as part of the investigation.
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The charge ledger includes a large number of CAM (child abuse material) counts (over 160), with 46 CAM counts involving a child under 14; additional charges include sexually touching children under 10 and filming a private act or private parts without consent.
A former Sydney childcare worker has been charged with 329 offences spanning 16 years, making him one of Australia's most prolific alleged abusers in a daycare setting. The Guardian reports that Australian Federal Police have contacted more than 120 families as the investigation widens.
The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Hamish Alexander Edward Tait, was arrested by the Australian Federal Police in July 2025. Authorities released photographs to help identify 22 victims still unknown to police, according to Mirage News.
How a US Tip Cracked Open the Case
The investigation began when the US-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children alerted Australian authorities. Someone had uploaded child abuse material online. That tip set off one of Australia's largest-ever child exploitation investigations.
Investigators seized roughly 2.5 million files and are reviewing approximately 2.4 million electronic files, according to National Tribune. The sheer scale forced authorities to build a dedicated team to sort through the evidence.
329 Charges, 158 Alleged Victims Across 62 Centres
Tait worked across 62 childcare centres during his career. Alleged abuse has been identified at roughly 10 of those centres so far. Police have found approximately 158 alleged victims in the files — 136 identified, and 22 still unknown, according to 7News.
The 329 charges include more than 160 counts of child abuse material (CAM). Of those, 46 CAM counts involve a child under 14. Additional charges include sexually touching children under 10 and filming a private act without consent, National Tribune reported.
Identity Suppression Battle Plays Out in Court
Tait's identity was suppressed for months. Prosecutors pushed to lift that order amid growing public pressure. Child safety advocates argued that naming him publicly would help parents identify potential victims and better protect children.
The Australian reported that Tait was eventually publicly named. The case has prompted renewed debate in Australia about transparency when alleged abusers hold trusted roles in child-facing professions.
Police Urge Families to Come Forward With Information
A Local Contact Point has been set up in Sydney for families who need help, according to Mirage News. Authorities say the contact point gives families a single place to get information and report concerns without having to navigate multiple agencies.
Police released photographs of 22 unidentified child victims to the public in hopes that someone recognises them. Investigators say the alleged abuse spans centres in both Australia and the UK. Anyone with information is urged to contact the AFP.
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