Members of the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) have arrested a 40 -year-old woman at Parramatta this morning, NSW Police say.
The woman was arrested about 7.30am (Tuesday 23 January 2018), and taken to Parramatta Police Station where she is being charged in relation to the alleged financing of terrorism.
The Guildford woman has been charged with five counts of intentionally make funds available to or collect funds for or on behalf of an organisation, namely Islamic State, knowing that the organisation was a terrorist organisation (S102.6 (1) Commonwealth Criminal Code).
It will be alleged that between February 2015 and October 2015 the woman allegedly transferred money to fund the prescribed terrorist organisation.
The woman has been refused bail and will appear in Parramatta Local Court this afternoon.
The arrest and charging is the result of the ongoing investigation, Operation PEQIN.
Operation PEQIN commenced in June 2015 to investigate the activities of several people alleged to be involved in terrorist activities.
The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team comprises the NSW Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and the NSW Crime Commission.
NSW Police Force Assistant Commissioner, Michael Willing, Commander of Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, moved to reassure the community there is no current or impending threat to the community as part of today’s arrest.
"Today’s activity highlights the ongoing commitment of the men and women of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team," Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
Detective Superintendent Ben McQuillan, Australian Federal Police, said financing of terrorism activities is firmly in the sights of the JCTT.
"The JCTT is committed to investigating all terrorism offences, including those surrounding allegations of financing," Det Supt McQuillan said.
"This long-term investigation has been a credit to all the members involved, and I’m confident they will continue it with the dedication and resilience they have demonstrated so far."
Anyone with information should always come forward no matter how small or insignificant you may think that may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123400.
Support from the NSW community is an important part of keeping NSW safe against acts of terrorism. There are a number of ways individuals and communities can prevent and prepare for emergencies. Members of the public are encouraged to visit secureNSW, the official NSW Government site for Counter Terrorism Information. Visit www.secure.nsw.gov.au
