A 21-year-old Perth man has been remanded in custody after facing Perth Magistrates Court on Friday, accused of possessing violent extremist material and repeatedly breaching bail.
The charges follow a search by the Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team (WA-JCTT) on Thursday at a Westminster property, where officers seized two computers and a mobile phone. The WA-JCTT includes the AFP, Western Australia Police Force and ASIO.
Investigators allege one of the electronic devices contained online material deemed to promote violent extremism. They further claim the man had used a device to send messages seeking assistance with explosive devices, military and tactical training, weapons manufacturing, combat techniques and the creation of fake documents.
A forensic review of the devices allegedly uncovered a series of messages and phone calls to a woman known to the accused. He was already on bail after being charged in October with assaulting and threatening to kill the same woman.
The man now faces one count of possessing or controlling violent extremist material, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, and four counts of breaching bail, which together carry a maximum penalty of up to three years’ jail and/or a $10,000 fine.
AFP Commander Nick Read said young people accessing extremist content remained a significant concern. He warned that “extremist groups target vulnerable and young individuals online for radicalisation as they are more susceptible to being influenced”, adding that authorities were focused on keeping Australians safe from those “who seek to harm or radicalise them”.
Commander Read urged families to be alert to warning signs.
“We urge parents, carers, family and friends to speak out if they see any signs of radicalisation in people they are close to.”
WA Police Detective Superintendent Ricky Chadwick said the case highlighted that digital behaviour was not anonymous.
“Accessing and engaging in online platforms that promote violence and extremist content has consequences, which can lead to criminal prosecution.”
He stressed that those involved in illegal online conduct were making deliberate decisions with “serious consequences”, adding that law enforcement continued to monitor online spaces where harmful material circulates.
“The WA Police Force work with and support our Commonwealth law enforcement and intelligence partners to identify and disrupt people who are engaging in criminal conduct,” Det-Supt Chadwick said.
The man is due to reappear in court on 10 December.
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