Justin Bieber imposter charged with 931 child sex-related charges
Queensland police have appealed for “extra vigilance” among young Justin Bieber fans after laying 931 child sex-related charges against a man pretending to be the singer online.
Queensland Police said that the man, 42, masqueraded as the Canadian singer to gain explicit images from children.
Detective Inspector Jon Rouse stated the allegations were "frankly horrendous".
"The fact that so many children could believe that they were communicating with this particular celebrity highlights the need for a serious rethink about the way that we as a society educate our children about online safety," said Mr. Rouse.
The man was charged on Thursday with rape, indecent treatment of children, using a carriage service to procure a child under 16 and making child exploitation material; the imposter had been using "multiple online platforms" including Facebook and Skype to communicate with children, police said.
The accused will face a Brisbane court on 6 April.
Meanwhile, Bieber himself is in the midst of an Australian tour.
