A Gold Coast man has been charged with sharing violent extremist material online, following a lengthy investigation that has already lead to the arrest of another man.
The 51-year-old from Pacific Pines is accused of sharing violent videos and propaganda messages linked to the Hamas, Hezbollah, Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Ansar Allah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist organisations, with friends and family members through an encrypted social platform.
Investigations began in October last year after Australian Border Force officers intercepted the man following his return to Australia from the United Arab Emirates.
During an examination of the man’s mobile phone, ABF officers allegedly located suspected violent extremist material, and the phone was seized.
Following investigations, the Queensland Joint Counter Terror Team executed a search warrant at a Pacific Pines home in November, allegedly uncovering further material on an electronic device.
At the time, a 19-year-old at the home was arrested and charged. He has since been released on bail.
On Wednesday, AFP confirmed the 51-year-old has also been charged with one count of using a carriage service for violent extremist material and six counts of possessing or controlling violent extremist material.
These terrorism offences each carry a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier said the organisation is working hard to prevent the spread of this kind of material in Australia.
“There is no place in Australian society for violent or extremist content, which terrorist organisations use as a tool to radicalise members of the community, particularly young or vulnerable people,” Assistant Commissioner Crozier said.
“The AFP, together with our state, Commonwealth and international partners, is actively targeting those who promote hatred, as decency and respect are core values every member of our community has the right to expect.
“Our top priority is to keep Australians safe from anyone who seeks to do them harm.”
ABF Acting Assistant Commissioner Rosemaree Cracknell said her officers were often the first line of defence against threats to Australia’s security.
“Our officers are highly trained to detect indicators of criminality and national security threats at the border,” a/Assistant Commissioner Cracknell said.
“Anyone seeking to transport, possess or distribute violent extremist material should expect that our officers have the powers and capability to detect that activity and bring it to the attention of our law enforcement partners.
“Australia’s border is a hostile environment for those who seek to threaten our community.”
Queensland Police Service (QPS) Acting Assistant Commissioner Heath Hutchings said the QPS remained committed to working with its partner agencies for the safety and security of the whole community.
“The collective power and capabilities of all agencies in the JCTT sends a strong message about the commitment to thoroughly investigate and then put offenders before the courts,” Assistant Commissioner Hutchings said.
