Bulgarian authorities said in a statement that 35-year-old ''medic'' Joseph Lee Smith was charged last Friday in an apartment in the coastal city of Varna.

It is alleged Smith was found in the company of two under-age boys with a camera, video camera and CDs.

Police allege that Smith produced pornographic materials and had sexual contact with three under-age boys between November 4 and 7.

The Varna Regional Court ordered that he be remanded in custody.

It is believed he is in Bulgaria on a tourist visa.

He can appeal against the court's decision on November 18.

If found guilty on the charge of having sexual contact with minors and of creating a pornographic network, Smith could face up to six years' imprisonment.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said staff from the Australian embassy in Athens were trying to confirm details of the arrest.

Australia has no formal representation in Bulgaria.

The spokeswoman said that if the charges were confirmed, the embassy would provide assistance.

''Should local authorities confirm the man's arrest, the Australian consular staff will immediately seek to contact the man and offer him consular assistance,'' she said. If confirmed, and consent was given by Smith, the department would also offer assistance to his family.

The Australian Federal Police has not received a referral to be involved in the case. with AAP