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Multiple individuals across three Australian states have been charged in connection with the alleged possession of violent extremist material and the planning of violent acts.
Victoria: Five Men Charged with ISIS-Related Propaganda
Five men from Melbourne, aged 19 to 29, have been charged with possession of violent extremist material. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege the men accessed and shared ISIS propaganda online.
Investigation Timeline
The investigation began in November 2024 when suspicious content was found on a mobile phone during a luggage check at Melbourne Airport. The phone belonged to a man from Roxburgh Park who was traveling to Turkey. In June 2025, another man from Roxburgh Park departing to Turkey was intercepted at Melbourne Airport; his phone also contained suspicious content. Police allege both men shared extremist material via their phones.
Court Proceedings
The men appeared in court on July 10, 2025. One individual was granted conditional bail, while three were refused bail and are scheduled to reappear on July 11, 2025. A fifth man, aged 21, was arrested and released pending further inquiries.
Searches and Seizures
Arrests were made on July 10, 2025, following searches of four homes in Roxburgh Park, Clyde South, and Meadow Heights. During one search, an AFP firearm discharged unintentionally; no injuries were reported. Electronic devices were seized for forensic examination.
Legal Context
The charge of possession of violent extremist material carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
Investigating Agencies
The investigation involves the AFP, Australian Border Force, and Victoria Police, with assistance from the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team. The investigation remains ongoing.
Queensland: 13-Year-Old Boy Charged with Planning School Attack
A 13-year-old boy from Maryborough, Queensland, has been charged with preparation or planning to cause death or grievous bodily harm and possessing violent extremist material.
Initial Incident
Queensland Police arrested the boy on May 28, 2026, after receiving a report of a person with a knife at a business on Saltwater Creek Road in Maryborough. He was initially charged under the Youth Justice Act with attempting to enter premises with intent, going armed so as to cause fear, and making threats.
Subsequent Investigation
Following further inquiries, police searched a home in Maryborough and seized an electronic device. The boy was later charged under Queensland's new anti-hate laws. Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Hindmarsh stated the boy posed an "imminent threat" to a local school and was "quite well advanced" in his planning.
Legal Context
Police have stated they are not alleging the event would have been a terrorist attack. The motivation behind the alleged planning is still under investigation, with authorities noting no determination has been made regarding ideological, religious, or political factors. The new anti-hate laws carry a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.
Current Status
The boy remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Hervey Bay Children's Court. Police have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
New South Wales: Multiple Teenagers Charged with Extremist Offenses
Case 1: 15-Year-Old and 16-Year-Old from MoreeTwo teenagers from Moree, aged 15 and 16, have been charged with offenses related to the alleged possession of violent extremist material.
Investigation Timeline
The investigation began in December after New England police received information about a teenager allegedly accessing extremist material online. On March 27, investigators searched a home and seized a mobile phone, a ballistic-style vest, and several notebooks. The 15-year-old was initially charged at that time.
Following a forensic examination of the seized items, investigators conducted further searches at two Moree homes. Handwritten notes and literature, reported to contain extremist references, were seized during these operations.
Charges Filed
- The 15-year-old was charged with knowingly collecting and making documents connected with terrorism, and using a carriage service to transmit violent extremist material.
- The 16-year-old was charged with using a carriage service to possess violent extremist material.
Both individuals were refused bail and are scheduled to appear before Parramatta Children’s Court.
Case 2: 16-Year-Old from Inner-West SydneyA 16-year-old male from inner-west Sydney has been charged with multiple terrorism offenses.
Initial Arrest
Police initially arrested and charged the individual with weapons offenses in December. During a search of his residence, police located a flick knife and a gel blaster. He was charged with possessing an unauthorized pistol and a prohibited weapon without a permit. He was granted bail on these charges on December 19.
Subsequent Charges
A review of seized electronic devices allegedly uncovered violent extremist material and documents containing information that could facilitate a terrorist act. The AFP stated the teenager allegedly held a "mixed ideology" and had detailed plans for acts of violence.
Charges Filed
The teenager was charged with five terrorism offenses, including:
- One count of collecting documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act
- Two counts of making documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act
- Two counts of possessing violent extremist material
Legal Context
The maximum sentence for the weapons charges is 14 years, while the most severe terrorism charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years. The teenager is scheduled to appear in a children's court.