Geraldton man, 59, charged with alleged child sex abuse offending against children in the Philippines

A child has been rescued from harm in the Philippines and a Geraldton man charged with a string of sex offences after an international law enforcement investigation. Peter Bezemer, a 59-year-old man from Geraldton, was raided by WA police earlier in 2025, with officers seizing electronics including computers, hard drives and mobile phones as part of an unrelated investigation. In March, the devices were handed over to the Australian Federal Police and found to allegedly contain images depicting the man sexually abusing children in the Philippines. There was also allegedly other abuse material. It is alleged the man was communicating through social media with victims and facilitators overseas where he paid for abuse material and arranged to meet children in the Philippines for sex. Mr Bezemer appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday via video link, charged with 10 offences, including four counts of committing acts of indecency on children under 16 while outside Australia, three counts of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material, two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 16 while outside Australia and one count of possessing child abuse material. AFP Cdr Renee Colley said officers were relentlessly pursuing those involved in child exploitation and abuse in Australia and abroad. “There are no off days for our officers, you will be caught and prosecuted,” she said. “Children are some of the most vulnerable members of our society and deserve to be protected from harm. “Investigators work tirelessly to seek justice for any child who has been ruthlessly exploited by a sexual predator, wherever they live.” As part of the investigation, Philippine National Police rescued a child from harm in the city of Tagui. A 26-year-old woman who is known to the child has been charged. Philippine National Police Chief of the Women and Children’s Protection Centre, Brigadier General Sheila Portento said officers were committed to seeking justice for the alleged victims. “This is more than enforcement, it is a shared commitment to protect women and children, uphold human dignity, and build a safer world for generations to come,” she said. “Charges against the alleged facilitator here in the Philippines is a powerful reminder that when nations work together, traffickers and exploiters have nowhere to hide.” Following a brief court appearance on Thursday, Mr Bezemer was remanded in custody to reappear in court on September 22. No application for bail was made.