1 month ago
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The co-founder of an Australian beauty pageant accused of child abuse offences will face further charges, as police seized more devices from the Brisbane man.
William Wee Liat Tan, 48, was arrested this week after officers raided properties in Fortitude Valley and Fitzgibbon and found a large number of phones, computers and storage devices.
William Tan has been accused of child abuse offences.Credit: Facebook
Tan, the co-founder of the Ms Oceania pageant, was expected to make an application for bail in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.
Prosecutor Harry Coburn told the court he expected more charges to be laid, and the matter was pushed back until later on Friday.
“Our office anticipates a great deal many more charges to be forthcoming,” Coburn said.
“I am advised by the officers that [it] will take four to six weeks to go through all of the devices located.
Tan was also facing a charge of distributing information about avoiding detection.Credit: Facebook
“There are some six laptops and seven or eight mobile phones that officers are still reviewing.”
Tan’s lawyer, Eddie Coker, told the court he had been made aware on Friday morning 20 more charges would be added.
Tan was facing several child abuse charges, including possessing child exploitation material, using a carriage service to access child abuse material, and using a carriage service to groom a person under 16 years of age.
He was also facing a charge of distributing information about avoiding detection.
In an online statement, the Ms Oceania pageant has severed ties with Tan.Credit: Facebook
In a statement on social media, a Ms Oceania spokesperson said Tan’s engagement with the pageant had been terminated.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families affected and recognise the emotional impact this news can have on our community and individuals affiliated with the Ms Oceania brand,” the statement read.
“Ms Oceania will not have any ongoing or future affiliation with him.”
The pageant said following legal consultation, all future events would be cancelled.
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