“The material he carried was deeply disturbing and included some of the most extreme child sexual abuse content known to law enforcement worldwide.”
Customs found the objectionable material in a search when the man arrived at the airport after being overseas for more than a month.
He admitted to downloading the material on his phone and was then arrested by customs officers.
Peterson said the arrest shows “the critical role of intelligence-led border security, strong partnerships, and highly skilled officers”.
The person was identified in 2024 through advanced intelligence and close collaboration with customs partners, he said.
“The moment he re-entered New Zealand in May, Customs officers interviewed and arrested him on site at the border.”
The 35-year-old man was sentenced to three years and nine-and-a-half months’ imprisonment in the Auckland District Court yesterday for importing material relating to child sexual abuse and bestiality.