A 45-year-old Melbourne man has been charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for allegedly interfering with the radio transmissions of commercial aircraft operating in Victoria.
The man is appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 23 September 2024, where he faced three charges related to radio interference at Melbourne Airport over a two-month period.
The investigation began earlier this month after the AFP received a report from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), alerting authorities to unauthorised radio transmissions. The suspect is accused of accessing aviation radio networks illegally and broadcasting chants and false mayday calls.
Following the report, AFP investigators executed a search warrant on 21 September 2024 at the man’s residence in Lower Plenty. Officers seized four handheld radios, along with other equipment allegedly used in the broadcasts, including two mobile phones containing recordings of the transmissions.
AFP Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher stressed the gravity of the offences, underscoring the vital importance of aviation security.
“These offences are extremely serious. Aviation security is critical, and appropriate procedures, processes, and systems are in place to ensure the safety of aviation operations across Australian airports,” Det Supt Butcher said.
“Anyone who attempts to compromise the safety of the travelling public through false or unauthorised access to operations and equipment will be caught and brought before the courts.”
The man faces several serious charges, including:
- One count of transmitting radio signals with the intent of prejudicing the safe operation of an aircraft, in violation of subsection 19(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
- One count of operating a radio communications device without authorisation, contrary to section 46(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (Cth), with a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.
- One count of using a transmitter that interfered with radio communications, in a manner that was prejudicial to the safe operation of an aircraft, under section 192(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (Cth), carrying a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
The case highlights the stringent measures and partnerships in place between the AFP and aviation authorities to ensure the safety of Australia’s airspace.
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