A self-styled journalist who attended one of Sydney’s most prestigious private schools has been revealed as the alleged leader of a “satanic” child abuse ring.

Police arrested four men on Thursday after dismantling what detectives allege was an international network involved in possessing, distributing and facilitating child abuse material with ritualistic or satanic themes.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Sydney police bust alleged international child abuse ring.

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Investigators allege the group possessed thousands of videos depicting the abuse of children — aged from infancy to 12 years old — through an online platform, though the men are not accused of producing any of the material.

Landon Ashton Versace Germanotta-Mills, 26, was arrested at a Waterloo property wearing matching zebra-print shorts and shirt and used a blue beanie to cover his face.

He has been charged with seven counts of using a carriage service to make available child abuse material, using a carriage service to access child abuse material, three counts of possessing child abuse material, two counts of disseminating bestiality material and possessing bestiality material.

Landon Ashton Versace Germanotta-Mills allegedly played a leading role in the satanic pedophile ring. Credit: Facebook, NSW Police

According to his social media profile, Germanotta-Mills attended Knox Grammar School, an elite boys’ school on Sydney’s Upper North Shore where annual fees reach $42,000.

The school’s website says it is a place “where boys are transformed into mature young men who are equipped for life beyond school”.

He described himself as the founder of Underground Media Network, claiming to expose “corruption, racism, and silenced survivor stories mainstream media won’t touch”.

Many of the outlet’s posts are centred on alleged police misconduct and child protection issues.

In April, Germanotta-Mills published an article accusing Australian police officers of being involved in child exploitation.

In another article about child abuse survivor protection, he signed off as a freelance investigative journalist and survivor of child sexual abuse and domestic violence.

Germanotta-Mills often posted how much he missed his late father. Credit: Social media

He also frequently posted tributes to his late father, Geoffrey Allan Mills, who died in May 2023.

“The pain of losing you is still so raw, and it’s hard to believe that so much time has passed,” he wrote earlier this year.

He said he had been fighting with the pain he carried every day.

“Do you know how I’ve been trying to cope, even when I know I’m not always handling things the way I should? I’m sorry for that, Dad. I wish I could do better, but sometimes the road feels too hard to walk alone,” he said.

The Daily Mail reported he had changed his surname in tribute to Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta.

Germanotta-Mills is a Lady Gaga superfan. Credit: Social media

His accounts include constant countdowns to the singer’s upcoming Australian tour.

“Can’t wait going to be the best Birthday present ever,” Germanotta-Mills wrote.

“Seeing her on my birthday is truly a dream come true. December 9 can’t come quickly enough!

“It’s been 14 years since I last saw her—14 years is way too long! But in less than 17 days, I’ll finally be able to see her again.”

Germanotta-Mills faced court on Friday, did not apply for bail, and will return on January 29.

Three additional men were arrested in a Malabar unit block.

Benjamin Raymond Drysdale, 46, was charged with using a carriage service to make child abuse material along with failing to comply with reporting obligations and a drug possession charge.

Mark Andrew Sendecky, 42, was charged with both possessing and accessing child abuse material.

Stuart Woods Riches, 39, was charged with possessing bestiality material and accessing child abuse material along with failing to comply with reporting obligations and drug possession.

All three faced court on Friday, did not apply for bail, and are also due to appear again on January 29.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

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