Dr. Chia Liang Saw, a 41-year-old developmental paediatrician specializing in behavioral issues, now faces 72 child sex abuse charges. Police allege the offenses occurred between November 2022 and May 2026, involving 18 victims, some as young as 10.
The charges were filed after an investigation by police, who initially charged Saw in late May with persistent sexual conduct with a child under 16 and possessing child exploitation material. As the investigation progressed, additional charges were added. In July, he was charged with 20 counts of using electronic communication to procure a child to engage in sexual activity, reportedly after being targeted by an online "vigilante paedophile hunter."
Recent charges include multiple counts related to indecent dealing, recording, and sexual penetration of a child under 13, indecent recording of a child under 16, and producing child exploitation material. According to AAP, the alleged offenses took place in Perth suburbs including Wembley, Nedlands, and Midland. Some female patients, aged 12 to 15, were allegedly covertly recorded while receiving treatment for ADHD.
Authorities also allege Saw abused a 10-year-old girl at his home and exploited a 13-year-old girl online. Court documents previously indicated Saw sent concerning emails to three children, including an offer to buy a ukulele and a statement that he had seen a child outside their school. He is also accused of creating an email account for a patient and sending them emails while they were at school, as well as waiting outside their school and home.
Saw, whose medical license has been suspended, has previously denied the allegations. He remains on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.