Melbourne man arrested as alleged ISIS online propagandist after covert probe
A 65-year-old Melbourne man arrested as alleged principal ISIS online propagandist sent 10,000 extremist files.
Victoria's Joint-Counter Terrorism Team arrested the man on Wednesday. An years-long covert investigation by Australian Federal Police led to the arrest.
The man is alleged to have been a main propagandist for ISIS and sent approximately 10,000 files of violent extremist material between November 2018 and July 2020. The files included videos, images, audio, documents and messages.
These related to executions, torture, and ISIS propaganda. Police also say he shared guides on how to plan mass casualty attacks.
The guides included methods to avoid law enforcement detection. He will be charged with ISIS membership.
He will be charged with performing the role of online propagandist. He will be charged with using a carriage service to cause offence.
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
- approximately 10,000
- Files sent
- November 2018 to July 2020
- Distribution period
- about six months in Egypt
- Overseas stay
- 65 years old
- Suspect age
Why it mattersThe arrest shows Australia's counter-terrorism agencies are actively tracking online extremists and prosecuting those who radicalize others within dormant networks.
AustraliaThe years-long investigation demonstrates Australia's sophisticated counter-terror capabilities and commitment to preventing ISIS-related radicalization within Australia.
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