Gary John Bell: WA man charged over alleged link to family ‘livestream show’ child sex crimes in Philippines

A WA man who allegedly paid a mother in the Philippines to sexually extort her young children on livestreams has been charged following a major investigation involving the US Department of Homeland Security. The West Australian can reveal a shocking Perth link to the case which was first investigated in May 2023 when US authorities identified an unknown person allegedly offering to sell disturbing sexually explicit livestreamed “shows” of children out of the Philippines. It was discovered that the unknown user was a mother, who has since been charged by Philippines National Police. Three children under her care were removed by authorities to prevent further harm. In April 2024, homeland security provided intelligence to the Australian Federal Police about an Australian user, who allegedly exchanged “about 900 messages and three calls” over a free messenger application with the woman between March and August in the year prior. AFP investigators linked the online activity to a man who living in Perth’s southern suburb of Success. His identity can be revealed as 69-year-old Gary John Bell. Mr Bell was charged with eight offences on Wednesday last week, which each carry a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment. The offences include one count of engaging in persistent sexual abuse of a child outside Australia and another count of procuring a child to engage in sexual activity outside of Australia. He is also facing charges related to the alleged possession, transmission, accessing and solicitation of child abuse material using a carriage service. Police allege they found 36 videos depicting child abuse on a mobile phone seized at his Success home. It is understood police allege Mr Bell sent money to the mother to facilitate the abuse, including amounts worth as little as under $14 AUD. Mr Bell faced Perth Magistrates Court last week on all the offences via video-link, where no pleas were formally entered. His next appearance is listed for April 17. AFP Commander Renee Colley said police constantly worked with international law enforcement. “The common goal of police is to protect children, wherever they are, and to ensure anyone who tries to harm them is identified, located and prosecuted,” Cmdr Colley said. “Together with its valued partners in Australia and across the globe, the AFP remains fiercely committed to that cause. “The investigators involved in these cases are relentless in their pursuit of the (alleged) criminals who prey on children for their own sexual gratification.”