Sydney man faces terrorism related charges over extremist material
A Sydney man has been charged with alleged terrorism-related offences after violent extremist material was reportedly discovered on a phone seized during a New Year’s Eve traffic stop.
Officers from the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad and Traffic and Highway Patrol stopped a Toyota sedan on Dargan Street, Yagoona, on 31 December 2025.
During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly located drugs, cash and three mobile phones. The driver, 31-year-old Abdallah El Chami, was arrested and taken to Bankstown Police Station.
He was initially charged with supplying a prohibited drug in an amount greater than small and less than an indictable quantity, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime under $5000, and using a vehicle that did not comply with standards. He was refused bail by police but granted conditional bail in the Bail Division of the Local Court on 1 January 2026.
Police allege that subsequent forensic examination of the three phones, carried out with assistance from the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, revealed violent extremist material stored on one of the devices.
At about 6am on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, officers executed a Commonwealth search warrant at a home in Bass Hill. During the search, police allegedly seized additional mobile phones, storage devices and a knife.
Bass Hill man charged with alleged terrorism-related offences (NSW Police media)
El Chami was arrested again and charged with using a carriage service to possess violent extremist material and possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit.
He appeared in Bankstown Local Court later that day. Despite being refused bail by police, he was granted conditional bail by the court.
Bail conditions require him to report to police three times a week, remain at home except for approved purposes including reporting, court appearances and medical or legal appointments, and abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs. He is permitted to possess only one mobile phone, which must not be internet-enabled, and must provide police access to the device if requested. A $20,000 surety was also imposed.
The offence of using a carriage service to possess violent extremist material was introduced under Commonwealth law in January 2024. It applies to material linked to terrorist organisations or extremist ideologies, including videos, images, manifestos and propaganda.
El Chami is due to reappear at Bankstown Local Court in early March.
