Melbourne Terror Arrest
Melbourne Man Arrested Over Alleged ISIS Propaganda and Mass-Casualty Attack Guidance
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Key Points
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The investigation began when Australian Border Force officers found suspicious material on electronic devices seized as the man was flying out of Melbourne; police later seized additional devices and reviewed them for ISIS-related activity.
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AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson described the accused as a “principal distributor of ISIS propaganda within the group,” saying the material was intended to radicalise others by glorifying violence and terrorism.
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Police allege the man did not travel to ISIS-controlled territory, but instead pledged allegiance and supported the organisation remotely as an online propagandist.
Australian counterterrorism police have arrested a 65-year-old Melbourne man accused of becoming a key propagandist for ISIS. SBS News reports he allegedly distributed about 10,000 files including videos, images, and audio glorifying executions and torture. Authorities say he pledged allegiance to the terrorist group and operated entirely online without traveling to ISIS-controlled territory.
The investigation began when Australian Border Force officers discovered suspicious material on electronic devices as the man left Melbourne. The Age reports police later raided his Carlton home and reviewed additional devices. He now faces multiple charges, including membership in a terrorist organization and distributing violent extremist material—marking the first prosecution under Australia's new offense of using communications services to promote terrorism.
Thousands of ISIS Files Seized and Reviewed
Police allege the man distributed material depicting ISIS violence and battlefield activity. The Sydney Morning Herald says the 10,000 files contained execution videos, torture images, and audio recordings. He also allegedly shared guidance on evading police detection and planning mass-casualty attacks. AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson called him a "principal distributor of ISIS propaganda within the group."
How Border Force Uncovered the Investigation
The case began when Australian Border Force officers found abnormal material on devices seized from the man at Melbourne airport. Brisbane Times reports counterterrorism police were then called in. Officers obtained warrants, searched his Carlton residence, and collected more electronic devices for examination. The discovery of ISIS-related content on those devices led to the arrest and formal charges.
First Prosecution Under New Terrorism Offense
The man faces charges including membership in a terrorist organization and control of violent extremist material. Head Topics reports this marks the first prosecution under Australia's new offense: using a carriage service—such as the internet or messaging platforms—to cause offense in a terrorism context. The charge reflects growing concerns about online radicalization and extremist recruitment happening entirely outside conflict zones.
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