Photo: afp

Members of the JCTT – comprising the Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Police Force (NSWPF), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and the NSW Crime Commission – arrested the Australian citizen at his home yesterday (16 June 2018).

It will be alleged in court the man was stopped from traveling to Bangladesh in February 2016 – after an examination of his luggage by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Sydney Airport – when he was found in possession of items that indicated his support for extremist ideology. These items included clothing and material contained in electronic devices.

An investigation was undertaken by the NSW JCTT to determine the circumstances of the matter, and it will be further alleged the man was planning to travel to Bangladesh to meet with people who held similar beliefs and to possibly engage in terrorist acts outside of Australia. The man is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (17 June 2018) charged with the following offences:

• Preparations for incursions into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities, contrary to section 119.4(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
• Other acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts, contrary to section 101.6(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
• Export Tier 1 goods without requisite approval, contrary to section 233BAA(5) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for both terrorism offences is life imprisonment.

The NSW 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 National Manager Counter Terrorism, Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney said this lengthy investigation has been complex, with diligent investigative work resulting in today’s arrest.

“The NSW JCTT will continue investigating all individuals who come to our attention and bring them to account for their criminal actions,” Assistant Commissioner McCartney said.

NSWPF Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing, Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, said officers from the JCTT are committed to protecting the community from those who wish to do us harm.

“NSW police will continue working with our partner agencies to target and disrupt any threat to community safety,” Assistant Commissioner Willing said.

ABF Regional Commander NSW Danielle Yannopoulos said the border is an integral aspect of the fight against terror.

“ABF officers are trained to intercept individuals, gather intelligence and evidence, and work closely with partner agencies to disrupt this alleged activity,” Commander Yannapoulos said.

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