An Australian woman and aspiring influencer has been arrested on charges of poisoning and torturing her 1-year-old daughter in pursuit of online fame and financial gain.
On Thursday, Queensland police announced the arrest of the 34-year-old woman, who remains unnamed and resides on the Sunshine Coast.
She faces charges of torture, among other offenses. Authorities claim the woman “administered several unauthorized prescription and pharmacy medications to the child.”
Additionally, it is alleged that she “filmed and posted videos of the child” to “entice monetary donations and online followers.”
According to the BBC, she informed her followers that she was documenting her child’s terminal illness.
Police state that the woman obtained the medications against medical advice and may have taken some from another individual living in her home.
The investigation commenced in October 2024 when medical staff reported “harm against the child” to the authorities.
On January 7, 2025, tests for the unauthorized medications returned positive results.
The woman was charged with five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous items, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud.
The BBC reports that she raised A$60,000 ($37,300 U.S.) through GoFundMe donations, and the site is reportedly working to refund those who were scammed.
The influencer is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday, January 17.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton stated that police would do “everything in our power to remove that child from harm’s way and hold any offender to account.”
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