Two Australian men have been charged after a two-year counter-terrorism investigation uncovered an alleged plot to traffic firearms to a violent paramilitary group in Indonesia’s West Papua.
The Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team (QLD JCTT) – comprising the AFP, Queensland Police Service and ASIO – along with New Zealand Police, charged a 64-year-old man from New South Wales and a 44-year-old man from Queensland with a range of firearms offences.
The investigation was triggered by the February 2023 kidnapping of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens by the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB). Mr Mehrtens was held captive for 592 days before being released in September 2024.
Police allege the two men conspired to traffic firearms and ammunition from Australia to the TPNPB and even discussed sourcing Australian military-grade weapons for the group. The NSW man is further accused of travelling to Indonesia in 2024 to meet TPNPB members and illegally transporting an optical rifle scope.
Search warrants executed at the men’s homes in Urunga (NSW) and Eagleby (QLD) uncovered weapons parts, explosives, and 13.6kg of mercury metal – a controlled substance.
Both men were granted bail and are due to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 17 October.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said the case highlighted Australia’s “zero tolerance” approach to arms trafficking.
“Anyone involved in the trafficking of illegal weapons from Australia with the intention of providing them into the hands of international groups should be warned,” he said.
Queensland Police acting Assistant Commissioner Heath Hutchings said the operation sent a clear message: “Those who seek to profit from the illegal trafficking of firearms will be identified and prosecuted.”
New Zealand Police acting Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett added the investigation was vital in ensuring the safe release of Mr Mehrtens and in strengthening cross-border law enforcement ties.
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