The father of Ethan Ungerboeck, 21, a former student at Sydney's elite Scots College who faces charges involving child abuse, bestiality, and animal torture material, previously served as chief operating officer for the ringtone company Mobile Messenger. The company's CEO and other executives were later jailed in the United States for defrauding customers out of approximately $200 million.
Ungerboeck was arrested late last year at his parents' $6 million mansion in Maroubra, following an Australian Federal Police investigation into online groups accused of trading images of children engaging in sexual acts and self-harm. He was charged with 17 offenses, including the distribution and possession of child abuse, bestiality, and animal torture material. His case is ongoing, and he has not yet entered a plea.
Michael Ungerboeck, Ethan's father, was the COO and international managing director of Mobile Messenger from 2006 to 2009. Mobile Messenger operated in the mid-2000s, selling ringtones, games, and horoscopes. The company ceased operations after a 2014 U.S. court ruling found it had illegally auto-subscribed users to recurring charges. The CEO, Darcy Wedd, and co-conspirators were found to have profited over $150 million from these illegal practices.
Unlike other executives, Michael Ungerboeck was not charged in the U.S. and returned to Australia without facing criminal proceedings. The Daily Mail reports that he was not charged and is not alleged to have participated in any wrongdoing. He subsequently established an advertising agency with his wife, securing clients such as BHP, Virgin Active, and Century 21.
Ethan Ungerboeck, who attended the $54,000-a-year Scots College, reportedly visited his parents' advertising firm while in uniform. He was described by some as 'polite' and 'reserved'. His parents have reportedly spoken highly of his past achievements, including skiing, swimming, and tap dancing.
Scots College is currently facing unrelated scrutiny over alleged sexual assault allegations involving three students. The Daily Mail notes that Ethan Ungerboeck's mother has been observed dropping him off near the courthouse, away from waiting photographers.
Ungerboeck's charges include one count of possessing or controlling child abuse material using a carriage service, three counts of possessing child abuse material using a carriage service, and three counts of producing child abuse material with intent to transmit using a carriage service. Additional charges include using a carriage service for child abuse material, using a carriage service to cause offense, possessing bestiality material, and possessing 'animal crush' material.
His arrest followed an Australian Federal Police investigation into a suspected online decentralized crime network that allegedly targeted children through eating disorder forums and gaming platforms. Under his bail conditions, Ungerboeck is restricted to his parents' home, accompanied by a parent when leaving, and is subject to random police checks, drug and alcohol testing, and is prohibited from consuming alcohol, taking drugs, or using gaming platforms. He is also forbidden from being in the company of anyone under 18 without adult supervision.
The matter is scheduled for mention again at Sydney's Downing Centre on August 25.