A Brisbane man is due to re-appear in Brisbane Magistrate's Court today (11 September, 2025) charged with two counts of possessing or controlling violent extremist material.
The man, 18, from The Gap, allegedly possessed violent extremist material - a video and a document - linked to proscribed terrorist organisations on his electronic devices.
The Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team - which includes the AFP, Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation - executed a search warrant at the man's home on Tuesday (9 September, 2025).
Police seized electronic devices containing a large amount of data, books associated with nationalist and racist violent extremism, and chemicals and precursors.
The man was charged with two counts of possessing and controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.45C of the Criminal Code (Cth) 1995.
The maximum penalty for this offence is five years' imprisonment.
Investigations into the seized material, including forensic analysis of the digital material, are ongoing and further charges have not been ruled out.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said the increased volume of violent extremist material posted online, and being uploaded and accessed by young people, could have serious consequences for the community.
"The AFP believes extremist groups are targeting vulnerable and young individuals online for radicalisation, as they are more susceptible to being influenced," Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
"We know these extremists are preying on young people in the same way that child sex offenders attempt to groom children.
"We urge parents, carers, family and friends to speak out if they see any signs of radicalisation in people they are close with."
QPS Security and Counter-Terrorism Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Heath Hutchings praised the work of all agencies involved in the investigation.
"The collective power and capabilities of all agencies in the JCTT sends a strong message about the commitment to thoroughly investigate and then put before the courts those who engage in terrorism related activity.
"The QPS remains committed to working with its partner agencies for the safety and security of the whole community."
Signs a person may be susceptible to radicalisation include:
- distancing themselves from their usual friends and family members;
- an increase in the extremist nature of their rhetoric or propaganda they propagate;
- a child using hateful or emotionally-charged language;
- developing a fixation on conspiracy theories or contentious social issues;
- displaying extreme reaction to certain news or politics, or
- spending increasing amounts of time in fringe forums on the internet.
A priority for the AFP, alongside JCTT 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. The AFP supports the increase in accountability by internet service providers and social media corporations to take action against the removal of violent extremist material online.
The AFP, and JCTT partners, continue to remain vigilant and ready to respond to threats of radicalisation and extremism among vulnerable young people.
If you believe someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or local police (131 444). If you suspect someone is being radicalised online or in person, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
For anonymous reporting, visit the Crime Stoppers website or call the toll free number 1800 333 000.
