Detectives from the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO, executed a search warrant at the man's home in Carlton on Wednesday, seizing electronic devices and arresting the suspect alongside his wife.
The investigation began in 2021 after Australian Border Force officers flagged the man’s devices as suspicious when he travelled to Egypt. A covert, years‑long operation followed his return from a six‑month trip, culminating in the raid.
Forensic analysis of the seized phones and computers allegedly revealed that between November 2018 and July 2020 the man transmitted roughly 10,000 files containing violent extremist material and ISIS propaganda, including videos, photographs, audio recordings and documents describing executions, mass murder, torture and instructions for avoiding law‑enforcement detection and conducting mass‑casualty attacks.
Authorities say the material was distributed via an encrypted platform, positioning the suspect as a principal distributor of ISIS content within the network. He has been charged with membership of a terrorist organisation, possession and distribution of extremist material and using a carriage service to cause offence.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson warned that viewing such material “desensitises people and normalises violence” and said police are continuing to investigate individuals linked to the accused, without ruling out further arrests. Acting Home Affairs Minister Michelle Rowland called for the man to face “the full force of the law” and reiterated that there is no place in Australia for any form of extremism.
The suspect, an Australian citizen, is expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later today. The case underscores the ongoing focus of Australian counter‑terrorism agencies on disrupting online extremist propaganda networks.