An American "predator" accused of using Instagram and Facebook to sexually exploit children in Australia, the US and Europe was vacationing in Australia when authorities raided his Ohio home, according to US prosecutors.

Cody Swinnerton, 24, was charged in the US federal court in Ohio with the sexual exploitation of children and receipt of child pornography.

Prosecutors, who worked with Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, the US Homeland Security Investigations' Canberra office and Ohio's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, alleged on Tuesday Swinnerton used multiple Instagram and Facebook accounts to contact children aged 12-15.

Swinnerton is accused of coercing children into sending him explicit images.

Swinnerton also allegedly contacted the victims' friends and family to coerce the victims into producing more images.

"This case demonstrates how predators will target our children over social media," US Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Justin Herdman, said.

"Parents and trusted adults need to make it their business to know who their kids are communicating with."

A search warrant was executed at Swinnerton's home in Berea, a suburb of Cleveland, on January 25.

Swinnerton's relatives told authorities he "was on vacation in Australia at the time", prosecutors said.

A review of his computer allegedly revealed several images of child pornography.

Prosecutors said the investigation led to potential victims in Australia, Ohio, Tennessee, Iowa, Texas, Austria and France.

"This case is a disturbing reminder that international borders are no longer a hindrance for online predators," Steve Francis, special agent in charge of HSI for Michigan and Ohio, said.

"However, this arrest should assure victims around the world that Homeland Security Investigations and our partners in the international law enforcement community are committed to aggressively targeting those engaged in these heinous acts."