A fifth Melbourne man has been charged as part of an ongoing Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation into the alleged access and distribution of ISIS-related violent extremist material online.
The Meadow Heights man, 25, was arrested on arrival at Melbourne International Airport on 16 May, 2026, after returning on a flight from Malaysia.
He faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court the same day, where he was charged by the AFP’s National Security Investigations team with possession of violent extremist material under section 474.45C of the Criminal Code (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
Police allege the man was previously intercepted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Melbourne Airport on 5 May, 2026, ahead of an intended departure to Malaysia, where suspicious material was allegedly found on his mobile phone.
A forensic examination of the device is said to have revealed ISIS-inspired violent extremist material.
The man was formally refused bail and remanded in custody to reappear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 7 August, 2026.
His arrest follows charges laid against four other Victorian men last week as part of the same investigation, which centres on the alleged sharing, receiving and distribution of ISIS propaganda and other extremist content.
Authorities say investigations into the online circulation of violent extremist material remain ongoing.
The AFP has warned of continued efforts to restrict access to extremist content and promote early intervention, including through awareness among parents, educators and health professionals.
AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson said the operation reflects ongoing efforts to disrupt extremist activity before it escalates into violence.
Australian Border Force Commander Operations Victoria Clinton Sims said border screening and intelligence cooperation were central to identifying individuals of concern.
Authorities say the joint investigation with state and federal agencies remains active.
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