Four Victorian men arrested, charged with allegedly possessing and distributing ISIS propaganda
Investigations into the men began in late-2024.
Four men have been charged for allegedly accessing and distributing ISIS propaganda online.
It comes as three women, dubbed “ISIS brides”, were arrested after returning from Syria on Thursday night.
On 29 November, 2024, the luggage of a now-20-year-old-man was routinely examined at Melbourne International Airport after he returned to Australia from Turkey.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.During this search, border force officers located suspicious content on his mobile phone, which was seized, and the matter was reported to the Australian Federal Police.
Similarly, a now-21-year-old man was pulled aside at Melbourne International Airport on 1 June, 2025, for a routine examination of his luggage prior to his flight to Turkey.
Officers located suspicious material on his mobile phone, which was seized by police.
Police allege the men “had been sending, sharing and receiving suspected violent extremist material, which included images and videos of previous terrorist attacks and other ISIS propaganda.”
On Thursday, four search warrants were executed in the Melbourne suburbs of Roxburgh Park, Clyde South and Meadow Heights.
Phones and electronic devices were seized and will be examined.
The 20 and 21 year olds and two other men, aged 19 and 29, were arrested and charged with possession of violent extremist material. A fifth man was arrested and released.
The crime carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The four men appeared in court on Thursday. Three were refused bail and are expected to re-appear in court on Friday.
The other man was granted conditional bail and will return to court on 30 July.
AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson said hatred would not be tolerated in the community.
“We allege these men were actively engaging in the sharing of this material inspired by ISIS, a terrorist organisation responsible for mass killings, and violent religious persecution,” she said.
“We know that intervening early helps to ensure individuals are disrupted before they reach the most serious levels of offending and prevent any potential for escalation to violence.”
