The Moonbi operation began in June 2025 following a US tip-off about online uploads of child abuse material, with initial eight charges expanding to more by 2026.

Tait is alleged to have worked at or attended 62 early childhood facilities in Sydney’s north-west between 2009 and 2025, with offences alleged at four centres and at his private education venture.

The case against Tait intensified after his July 2025 arrest by the Australian Federal Police, on charges linked to producing abuse material involving children, with a non-publication order initially restricting details to protect investigations.

Public pressure grew for naming Tait publicly and identifying workplaces, with authorities saying revealing his connections to centres and employers is essential for ongoing investigations and victim outreach.

Operation Moonbi, a year-long probe, analyzed 2.4 million electronic files, executed 12 search warrants, and uncovered involvement by offenders across Australia and beyond.

investigators identified 136 victims, with 22 remains yet to be identified among roughly 2.5 million seized files, spanning Australia and the United Kingdom.

So far, investigators have contacted 121 families as the 12-month investigation continues, with more victims expected to come forward.

Identified abuse sites include 10 centres, and Tait is linked to a large franchise, Fit Kidz, plus a separate venture, Wild Earthlings, offering children’s bushwalks.

The charges were announced after a court lifted the non-publication order, marking one of Australia’s largest childcare abuse investigations.

AFP Acting Commander Luke Needham said authorities are in touch with 121 families of children depicted in the material and urged victims to seek support or confide in a trusted person.

Charges allege 329 offences over 16 years against 136 victims, including producing child abuse material and sexual offenses involving young children.

Parramatta Local Court ruled against permanently keeping the non-publication order, allowing public identification to aid the investigation and victim outreach.