Australians are being urged to scrutinise charitable appeals amid concerns that terrorist groups are posing as legitimate organisations to solicit donations and funnel money into criminal activities.
The warning comes from the Australian Federal Police (AFP)-led Joint Threat Financing Group, which says it has identified cases where individuals and networks falsely present themselves as charities to exploit public generosity. Authorities say funds are often sent overseas under the guise of legitimate donations but are ultimately diverted to support terrorism.
Under Australian law, providing or collecting funds for a terrorist organisation carries severe penalties, including up to 25 years’ imprisonment. Separate offences relating to financing terrorism or individual terrorists can attract life sentences.
Officials stressed that donors must take reasonable steps to ensure their contributions do not reach banned organisations or individuals, including those listed under national counter-terrorism and sanctions frameworks. Breaching Australian sanctions laws can result in penalties of up to 10 years’ jail and significant fines.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said the misuse of charitable fronts was a well-established tactic designed to mislead well-meaning donors. He noted that such groups deliberately exploit goodwill, urging Australians to confirm they are donating to verified and properly registered charities.
Authorities recommend checking organisations through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), which maintains a public register detailing a charity’s operations, leadership and financial reporting. This can help donors confirm whether an appeal is legitimate.
The financial intelligence agency AUSTRAC is working with law enforcement partners to detect and disrupt suspicious financial flows. AUSTRAC Deputy Chief Executive for Intelligence John Moss said terrorist networks routinely attempt to disguise transactions as charitable giving to move money undetected. He added that collaboration through the Joint Threat Financing Group enables authorities to identify and block such transfers.
The multi-agency group brings together specialists from law enforcement, financial regulation and national security bodies, including the Australian Border Force, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and the Australian Taxation Office, alongside international partners.
Members of the public who suspect a fraudulent charity or donation request have been advised to report it to the National Security Hotline.
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