By Alex Mitchell in Sydney

Veteran broadcaster Alan Jones, once one of Australia’s most powerful media figures, has been taken into a police station in the back of an unmarked car to answer indecent assault allegations.

A complex, months-long police investigation culminated in the 83-year-old’s arrest on Monday as investigators searched his luxurious unit overlooking Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay.

Investigators were yet to confirm if charges had been laid after Jones was taken into the city centre Day St police station late in the morning.

His arrest followed a months-long investigation into allegations aired in Nine newspapers the talkback host repeatedly used positions of power to abuse young men.

The claims include putting his hands down the pants of students while a school teacher and indecently assaulting a number of young men throughout his influential broadcasting career.

Authorities anticipated other alleged victims could come forward following Jones’ arrest, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said.

“This is a result of a very long, thorough, protracted investigation… I did visit the strike force some weeks and months ago to look at the work that they have been doing, it is very complex and protracted,” she said.

“There’s no such thing as a matter that’s too old to be investigated… what I’d say to victims is that there is no better time to come forward than now and you will be listened to and we will take your matter seriously.”

In December 2023, Jones’ lawyer Mark O’Brien denied the allegations on his client’s behalf.

“Our client denies ever having indecently assaulted the persons referred to … and (the) suggestion that he has is scandalous, grossly offensive and seriously defamatory of him,” he said in a statement at the time.

Jones is now represented by Bryan Wrench, of Murphy’s Lawyers.

Police on Monday said the arrest followed a near-nine-month investigation.

“In March 2024, State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin to investigate a number of alleged indecent assaults and sexual touching incidents between 2001 and 2019,” a statement said.

Jones began broadcasting in 1985 after a failed political career and became a feared interviewer capable of grilling leaders while dominating the airwaves with his outspoken, conservative views.

He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut.

His many controversies included suggesting former prime minister Julia Gillard’s father “died of shame” and encouraging former New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern to be hit “with a few backhanders”.

Jones most recently broadcast via digital platform ADH TV but he has not been on-air since November 2023, shortly before the indecent assault allegations were published.

He coached the Australian national men’s rugby team between 1984 and 1988, with his tenure including a number of historic achievements for the side.

They included leading the Wallabies to a grand slam of wins on their British Isles tour in 1984 and coaching the side to Australia’s first Bledisloe Cup win in New Zealand in 39 years in 1986.