More than 400 sexual offenses against children have been charged against an Australian man.

In what police are calling one of the most serious child abuse investigations in the state's history, a man in Western Australia has been charged with more than 400 sexual offenses against children.

The 47-year-old from Perth is charged with 240 charges of indecent dealing with a kid under the age of 13, 98 instances of indecent recording of a child under the age of 13, and 44 counts of sexual penetration of a child under the age of 13, according to Western Australia police.

He also faces 26 counts of child exploitation material possession and five counts of child exploitation material production.
The allegations are the result of a months-long investigation that began with a tip in July of last year.

Multiple electronic storage devices were seized during searches at the man's home and business, according to authorities.

Authorities discovered around 3.8 million photographs and videos that were considered child exploitation material after conducting a digital forensic assessment.
Detectives found 24 boys and girls who had been sexually molested, according to the police. The alleged abuse occurred between 2015 and 2021.

According to CNN affiliate 9 News, Detective Inspector Hamish McKenzie said, "This investigation is one of the most major child abuse investigations ever performed in Western Australia in terms of how many photographs were located and how many kids we will allege have been harmed."

The youngsters, according to 9 News, were between the ages of three and thirteen, and authorities believe the victims were known to the man through family and friends.
The man is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court later this month.