Media Release
SA man charged for online messages allegedly threatening the AFP
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A South Australian man is expected to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court on 29 September, 2026, charged over a series of allegedly threatening online messages directed at the AFP.
The AFP's National Security Investigations (NSI) team began an investigation in January, 2026, after receiving information about allegedly threatening messages targeting the AFP, which were posted on social media platforms.
The AFP linked the man, 40, to the alleged offending and executed a search warrant at an Adelaide home yesterday (13 August, 2026).
During the search, investigators located a mobile phone, which identified alleged threatening messages posted over several months from social media accounts allegedly linked to the man.
The device was seized for forensic examination.
The man was taken to the Adelaide City Watchhouse and charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17 of the Criminal Code (Cth). He was granted police bail.
The maximum penalty for this offence is five years’ imprisonment.
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.
