Queensland detectives have charged the alleged administrator of multiple online child exploitation networks with almost 60 offences.
Lau Hansen, 71, was taken into custody at his Townsville home on Monday.
Police claim he was identified by an undercover officer who had infiltrated online child exploitation networks in an attempt to shut them down.
Detectives allege the man controlled and maintained libraries of child exploitation material across several encrypted platforms.
They also allege he was involved in further child abuse networks involving up to 500 others discussing their sexual abuse of children.
Detectives executed a search warrant at Mr Hansen's property and allegedly uncovered a large volume of digital and printed child exploitation material.
Police allege they also found evidence of his roles within the encrypted platforms.
Mr Hansen has been charged with 59 offences, including administering a child exploitation material website, distributing child exploitation material, possessing child exploitation material and encouraging use of child exploitation material website.
He faced the Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody.
Magistrate Ken Taylor said Mr Hansen's risk of offending was too great to grant him bail.
The matter will return to court in April.
