Counter-terrorism raids net four in Victoria over violent extremist material

Four Melbourne men have been charged after allegedly accessing, sharing and distributing ISIS propaganda online during a counter-terrorism investigation that spanned more than 18 months.

The arrests follow intensified efforts by Australian authorities to combat online radicalisation after the December 2025 ISIS-inspired terror attack at Bondi Beach’s “Chanukah by the Sea” event, which killed 15 people and prompted major changes to Australia’s counter-terrorism approach.

The Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Victoria Police allege the men were circulating violent extremist material linked to ISIS, including propaganda videos and imagery from previous terrorist attacks.

The investigation began after Australian Border Force officers stopped a 20-year-old man from Roxburgh Park at Melbourne Airport on 29 November 2024 upon his return from Turkey. Officers allegedly discovered suspicious material during a routine examination of his luggage and mobile phone, leading to the device being seized for forensic analysis.

A second Roxburgh Park man, now aged 21, was intercepted at Melbourne Airport on 1 June 2025 before boarding a flight to Turkey. Authorities allege extremist material was also found on his phone, which was later seized.

 

Forensic analysis reportedly showed the pair had been sending, sharing and receiving violent extremist material inspired by ISIS.

On 7 May 2026, AFP National Security Investigations teams, supported by Victoria Police and the AFP Tactical Response Team, executed four search warrants across Roxburgh Park, Clyde South and Meadow Heights. Electronic devices and mobile phones were seized for further forensic examination.

At one Roxburgh Park address, an AFP firearm was accidentally discharged during the operation. No injuries were reported.

The two Roxburgh Park men, together with two Clyde North men aged 19 and 29, were charged with possession of violent extremist material under section 474.45C of the Criminal Code. The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

The men appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 May 2026. Three were refused bail and are due to reappear on Friday. The fourth man was granted strict conditional bail and will return to court on 30 July.

A fifth man, aged 21, was arrested at a Meadow Heights property and later released pending further inquiries.

AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson said authorities intervened early to prevent any possible escalation.

“We allege these men were actively engaging in the sharing of this material inspired by ISIS, a terrorist organisation responsible for mass killings and violent religious persecution,” Commander Hudson said.

“We know that intervening early helps to ensure individuals are disrupted before they reach the most serious levels of offending and prevent any potential for escalation to violence.”

ABF Commander Operations Victoria Clinton Sims said the case highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering at Australia’s borders.

“This operation demonstrates how intelligence and border capabilities are combined to identify individuals of concern and take coordinated action at the border and beyond,” Commander Sims said.

The arrests come amid a broader surge in counter-terrorism activity across Australia. In March, a Victorian teenager was charged after allegedly collecting ISIS-related manuals and extremist material following the interception of an ISIS flag imported into the country.

Federal authorities have repeatedly warned about the rapid spread of extremist propaganda online, particularly among young people exposed through social media, encrypted messaging apps and gaming platforms.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the creation of specialised National Security Investigations teams in October 2025 to target individuals and groups deemed harmful to Australia’s social cohesion.

This week the federal government also announced a new $74 million Counter Terrorism Online Centre to be jointly operated by ASIO and the AFP to monitor and disrupt online extremist activity. The announcement followed warnings from Commissioner Barrett that radicalisation can now occur “within days” rather than months or years.

The latest arrests also coincided with the return to Australia this week of several women and children previously held in Syrian detention camps linked to ISIS-controlled territory. Some women were arrested on arrival and charged with terrorism, slavery and crimes against humanity offences.

Authorities urged anyone concerned about radicalisation to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.