Home / Crime and Justice / Melbourne Man Charged as ISIS Propaganda Mastermind
Melbourne Man Charged as ISIS Propaganda Mastermind
23 Sep
Summary
- Melbourne man charged for allegedly spreading 10,000 violent ISIS files.
- Accused acted as a principal distributor of IS propaganda online.
- Material included executions, torture, and mass attack guides.
Counter-terrorism police in Melbourne have charged a 65-year-old Australian citizen for his alleged role as a principal distributor of Islamic State propaganda. The charges follow a years-long covert operation that began after Border Force officers found suspicious material on the man's devices in 2021.
Authorities allege the man disseminated nearly 10,000 files containing violent extremist content, including executions, torture, and guides for mass casualty attacks, via an encrypted platform between November 2018 and July 2020. He faces multiple charges, including membership in a terrorist organization and possessing extremist material.
The investigation was initiated by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team after the man's return from a six-month trip to Egypt. Police have not ruled out further arrests as inquiries continue into individuals connected with the accused.
Acting Home Affairs Minister Michelle Rowland stated that extremism has no place in Australia and emphasized the severity of viewing such violent material, noting its potential to radicalize individuals. The accused is expected to appear in court soon.
