The Australian Federal Police High Risk Terrorist Offenders (HRTO) team has charged a 45-year-old Melbourne man with allegedly breaching an Interim Control Oder.
The AFP arrested the man at his home this morning. It will be alleged in court that the man breached the conditions of his control order by viewing prohibited electronic media, accessing and viewing social media content, and altering or deleting content from his permitted devices.
There is no specific or impending threat to the community in relation to this matter.
The man is expected to face Melbourne Magistrates Court today (Friday, 5 November 2021).
The man has been charged with eight counts of contravening a control order, contrary to section 104.27 of Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.
The AFP was granted an Interim Control Order for this man by the Federal Court of Australia on 6 July 2021.
The HRTO teams across Australia have charged seven alleged offenders for breaching their control orders since July 2020.
The arrest of this Melbourne man today takes the number to eight.
AFP Acting Commander Gail McClure said high-risk offenders would be charged if they breached a control order.
"The AFP's High Risk Terrorist Offender Team is committed to ensuring court-issued control orders are complied with and any identified alleged breaches will be enforced," she said.
The AFP continues to work closely with Victoria Police and partner agencies to protect the Australian community.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you think that information may be.
The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.
