WESTERN SYDNEY, NSW, Australia - An author of children's books who police allege used his position to groom children for sex has been arrested.

Oliver Phommavanh, 41, was taken into custody on Friday after his home in western Sydney was searched.

State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged him with alleged online grooming of children under operation Strike Force Trawler.

Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the Sex Crimes Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.

Strike force detectives launched an investigation earlier this month, after receiving an interstate report that a children's author was allegedly communicating inappropriately with a child on online.

During the investigation, Phommavanh allegedly sent inappropriate photos and videos to, who he believed, was a 13-year-old girl.

Following an extensive investigation, strike force detectives, with assistance from officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command, executed a search warrant at an Old Guildford home about 8am Friday morning, during which Phommavanh was arrested.

Several electronic devices were seized during the operation.

Phommavanh was taken to Fairfield Police Station where he was charged with use carriage service to groom under 16 years old for sex and use carriage service procure less than 16 years old for sexual activity.

Detectives say they will allege in court he used his position as a children's author to engage inappropriately with children online.

Phommavanh was refused bail and appeared before Fairfield Local Court later on Friday.

Investigations under Strike Force Trawler, police say, are continuing.