Media Release
Charges upgraded against WA man to acts in preparation for terrorist act
This is a joint media release between Australian Federal Police, Western Australia Police Force and Australia Security Intelligence Organisation
The Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT-WA) has upgraded charges against a Perth man for alleged acts in preparation for a terrorist act.
The man, 22, who is expected to appear in the Magistrates Court of Western Australia today (30 October, 2026), was initially arrested and charged with five offences on 4 December, 2025, before being charged with a further four offences later that month.
Following further JCTT-WA investigations, the man was charged with one count of other acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts, contrary to section 101.6 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Police will allege the man sought assistance on a messaging platform in relation to explosive devices, military and tactical training, education, weapons manufacturing, combat techniques and fake documents as part of planning for a terrorist attack.
The charges of collected or made a document knowing it was connected with a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth) and possessed a thing knowing it was connected with a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.4 of the Criminal Code (Cth) will be withdrawn during court proceedings.
Investigations by the JCTT-WA – which comprises officers from AFP, Western Australia Police Force and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation – remain ongoing.
Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400, or through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 on the Crime Stoppers website.
