4 males have been arrested in Melbourne for allegedly accessing and sharing ISIS propaganda, inside hours of the high-profile return of 4 girls to Australia from Syria who have been linked to the fear group.
The investigation was triggered after Australian Border Power officers seized a cell phone from a person at Melbourne Worldwide Airport on November 29, 2024.
The person, now aged 20 from Roxburgh Park, was returning to Australia from Turkey and allegedly had ‘suspicious content material’ on his cell machine.
ABF officers then intercepted a second man, now aged 21 and likewise from Roxburgh Park, at Melbourne Worldwide Airport on June 1, 2025.
He was headed to Turkey and likewise allegedly had suspicious materials on his cellphone.
Australian Federal Police examined the seized gadgets and alleged the boys have been sending, sharing and receiving suspected violent extremist materials – together with photos and movies of earlier terrorist assaults and different ISIS propaganda.
Officers arrested 4 males on Thursday – the identical day the ISIS brides and their youngsters landed in Australia.
Three of the ladies and eight youngsters landed in Melbourne whereas one lady and her son landed in Sydney. Three of the ladies have been arrested quickly after touching down, just one was allowed to stroll free in Melbourne.
4 males have been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing and sharing ISIS propaganda
An investigation into the alleged violent extremist materials was flagged after two cellphones have been seized at Melbourne Worldwide Airport
Officers executed search warrants at houses in Roxburgh Park, Clyde South and Meadow Heights.
Extra electronics and telephones have been seized through the raids. One officer’s firearm was unintentionally discharged at a house in Roxburgh Park however nobody was injured.
The 2 males from Roxburgh Park have been arrested alongside two males from Clyde North, aged 19 and 29.
Every have been charged with possession of violent extremist materials, which carries a most of 5 years behind bars.
Three of the boys have been refused bail. The fourth was granted strict conditional bail and can return to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court docket on July 30.
Officers arrested a fifth man, aged 21, at a house in Meadow Heights. He was launched pending additional inquiries.
AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson applauded the Nationwide Safety Investigations Workforce.
‘We allege these males have been actively partaking within the sharing of this materials impressed by ISIS, a terrorist organisation liable for mass killings, and violent spiritual persecution,’ Commander Hudson stated.
Three of the 4 males arrested have been refused bail
‘We all know that intervening early helps to make sure people are disrupted earlier than they attain probably the most critical ranges of offending and stop any potential for escalation to violence.
‘The disruption sends a transparent message – the AFP, along with our state, Commonwealth and worldwide legislation enforcement companions are watching, and we won’t tolerate any kind of hatred in our neighborhood.’
In case you suspect somebody is being radicalised on-line or in particular person, name the Nationwide Safety Hotline on 1800 123 400.
In a life-threatening state of affairs, name Triple Zero (000).
