Media Release
Fifth Victorian man charged with violent extremist material offence
This is a joint media release between AFP and ABF.
A fifth Melbourne man has been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged access and distribution of ISIS propaganda online.
The Meadow Heights man, 25, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today (16 May, 2026), after being arrested on arrival at Melbourne International Airport this morning on a flight from Malaysia.
He has been charged by the AFP’s National Security Investigations team with possession of violent extremist material contrary to s474.45C of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
It will be alleged the man was intercepted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Melbourne Airport ahead of his departure on 5 May, 2026, and suspicious material was located on his mobile phone.
A subsequent forensic analysis of the device revealed he was in possession of alleged ISIS-inspired violent extremist material (VEM).
The man was formally refused bail and remanded to next appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 7 August, 2026.
The man’s arrest comes after four other Victorian men were charged last week over the alleged possession of VEM, which included ISIS propaganda. The men all remain before the courts with police alleging the group had been sending, sharing and receiving suspected violent extremist material (VEM).
Investigations into the accessing and distributing of VEM remain ongoing.
A priority for police and partners is to limit the accessibility of violent extremist material and promote education and awareness for those in protective roles – including parents, educators and health care providers – to maximise prevention and early intervention options.
If you suspect someone is being radicalised online or in person, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
In a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the establishment of NSI teams in October, 2025, to target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australia’s social cohesion.
