A 25-year-old man from Morayfield has faced court in Queensland, accused of possessing violent extremist material following a joint investigation by federal authorities.
The man appeared in Caboolture Magistrates Court on Thursday after being charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over content allegedly stored on his mobile phone. The investigation dates back to May 2024, when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in New South Wales intercepted an air cargo package addressed to him that reportedly contained Nazi flags.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Tim Murphy said authorities would act decisively against conduct that threatened Australia’s social fabric. “There is no place in Australian society for violent or extremist content,” he said. “Anyone engaging with this type of material will be investigated and brought before the courts.”
After that interception, AFP officers visited the man’s home and issued him with official information outlining the illegality of publicly displaying Nazi symbols.
Authorities say the matter escalated in September last year when the man arrived at Brisbane International Airport and was selected by ABF officers for further screening. During a baggage and digital device examination, officers allegedly discovered violent extremist material on his phone and referred the findings to the AFP.
The AFP subsequently seized the device and conducted a forensic examination, which allegedly uncovered additional material, including edited first-person footage of overseas mass shootings and other files depicting serious violence.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the case highlighted the role of the National Security Investigations teams, established late last year to focus on individuals and groups causing serious harm to social cohesion.
On Wednesday, AFP National Security Investigations officers executed a search warrant at a Morayfield property, arresting the man and charging him with one count of possessing or controlling violent extremist material accessed using a carriage service, under Commonwealth criminal law. The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
ABF Superintendent John Ikin said border officers played a critical role in protecting the community.
“We have zero tolerance for anyone who engages in or supports violent extremism,” he said. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners and use all available powers to detect and prosecute those involved.”
The accused was refused bail and is due to appear next in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 6 March.
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