A 23-year-old Sydney woman faced Blacktown Local Court on 16 October 2025 after being charged with allegedly possessing and sharing violent extremist material online.
The woman came to the attention of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in July after information was received about a Sydney-based individual promoting extremist content and glorifying martyrdom on social media.
AFP investigators allegedly identified the woman and executed a search warrant at a Quakers Hill property, seizing a mobile phone for forensic analysis.
Police say the device contained 43 files classified as violent extremist material, along with evidence of a second social media account used to publish the same content.
According to the AFP, the files allegedly encouraged serious acts of violence, promoted allegiance to known terrorist organisations, and sought to inspire others to commit violent acts.
It will be further alleged that the woman operated two social media accounts used to share this extremist material with the wider community.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said the availability of violent extremist content online poses serious risks to the community, especially to young and vulnerable people. “Preventing the possession, consumption and promotion of this material will reduce instances of radicalisation,” Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
“The AFP will not allow Australia to become a hotbed for violent extremism and will not hesitate to lay charges.”
He urged parents, schools, social services, and technology companies to remain vigilant and help detect early signs of online radicalisation.
“Extremist groups are targeting vulnerable and young individuals online in similar ways to how child sex offenders attempt to groom children.”
She has been charged with:
- Using a carriage service for violent extremist material, contrary to section 474.45B of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- Possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.45C of the Criminal Code (Cth).
Both offences carry a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
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