Anti-terror police raided the home early on Saturday. Photo: ABC News: Tim Swanston

Members of the JCTT – comprising the Australian Federal Police (AFP), QLD Police Force (QPS) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation – arrested the man at his home this morning (30 June 2018).

It will be alleged in court that during a period between late 2016 and early 2017, the man made preparations to travel to Syria to engage in hostile activities. It will also be alleged he encouraged and recruited other people to join him in travelling to Syria; so they could also join organisations engaged in hostile activities against foreign governments.

The Kuraby man and those he was encouraging were not successful in leaving Australia.

The man has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday 2 July 2018 charged with the following offences:

·         Five counts of preparations for incursions into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities (preparatory acts) – in relation to preparations made for his own intended foreign incursion -  contrary to section 119.4 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)

·         Two counts of recruiting persons to join organisations engaged in hostile activities against foreign Governments (both juveniles) - contrary to section 119.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

·         Seven counts of preparations for incursions into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities (preparatory acts) – in relation to preparations made for intended foreign incursions of other persons - contrary to section 119.4 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)

The maximum penalty for the preparation for a foreign incursion offence is life imprisonment, and for recruitment for foreign incursion offences - 25 years.

The investigation is ongoing and as the matter proceeds through the court process, it is not appropriate to comment on other aspects of this investigation. 

The Queensland JCTT would like to reassure the community there is no current or impending threat to the community as a result of today’s activities. 

AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Rippon, National Manager Counter Terrorism, highlighted the tenacity of investigators from all agencies in the JCTT in what is a highly complex and sensitive investigation resulting in today’s arrest.

“Today’s operational activity is a reminder that the threat posed by terrorism is ongoing but the community should have confidence in the Queensland JCTT pursuing all investigative avenues at their disposal to contribute to the safety of our community”, he said.

“The collective power and capabilities of all agencies in the JCTT sends a strong message about the commitment to thoroughly investigate and then put before the courts those who engage in terrorism related activity,” said a/Assistant Commissioner Rippon

QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Bill Graham, Intelligence, Counter Terrorism and Major Events Command, praised the work of all agencies involved in the investigation.

“The QPS remains committed to working with its partner agencies for the safety and security of the whole community.”

Anyone with information on criminal or national security matters should always come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think that information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123400.