Five charged over alleged ISIS-inspired extremist material
Five Victorian men have been charged after federal police allegedly uncovered ISIS-inspired propaganda and graphic terrorist material shared online.
The Australian Federal Police says the case began in November 2024, when a man returning from Turkey was stopped at Melbourne International Airport by Australian Border Force officers. His luggage and phone were examined, and suspicious material allegedly found on the device was referred to the AFP.
Investigators allege a forensic review of the phone led them to a group of men who had been sending, receiving and sharing violent extremist material, including ISIS propaganda and images and videos of terrorist attacks.
A second man was intercepted at Melbourne International Airport in June 2025 before allegedly attempting to travel to Turkey. Police say suspicious content was also found on his phone, which was later seized.
The AFP’s National Security Investigations team executed warrants at homes in Roxburgh Park, Clyde South and Meadow Heights on 7 May, with support from the AFP Tactical Response Team and Victoria Police.
Four men were arrested during the operation and charged with possessing violent extremist material. They have been named in court reports as Mohammad Ahmadzai, 21, Azan Syed, 20, Sulaiman Sarwari, 29, and Adian Sarwari, 19.
One of the men charged over alleged ISIS-inspired extremist material. (photo: X.com)
A fifth man, aged 25, was arrested on 16 May after arriving at Melbourne International Airport from Malaysia. He was also charged with possessing violent extremist material and was refused bail.
The Commonwealth offence carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson said police alleged the men were sharing material inspired by ISIS.
“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,” Hudson said.
She said early intervention was critical to stopping people before they moved to more serious offending or violence.
In Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, Sulaiman Sarwari had two bail conditions relaxed after prosecutors did not oppose the application by his lawyer, Siobhan Stary.
The court removed a requirement that he attend regular bail compliance reviews.
Court reports from earlier hearings said prosecutors had opposed bail for some of the accused, arguing the alleged material was serious. Defence lawyers have argued their clients had no criminal histories or that the alleged material found on devices was limited.
Police said the investigation remains active, with assistance from the Victoria Joint Counter Terrorism Team.
The AFP said members of the public should report concerns about suspected radicalisation to the National Security Hotline.
The men are expected to return to court in late July and early August.
