A NSW man has been charged with allegedly displaying a Nazi symbol and using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
The man is expected to appear before Armidale Local Court on 30 March, 2026, after he was charged by the AFP on 11 March, 2026.
An investigation by an AFP National Security Investigations (NSI) team began in November, 2025, following a notification of a threatening and offensive post on a social media platform.
Investigators linked the man, 30, to the alleged offensive and threatening post.
As part of the investigation, officers also identified an image of a hat displaying a Nazi symbol that was allegedly on one of the man's social media accounts.
AFP executed a search warrant on a house in Armidale on 11 March, 2026. The man was bailed to appear before court on the following charges:
- Five counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17 of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of the public display of prohibited Nazi symbols or giving Nazi salute, contrary to section 80.2H of the Criminal Code (Cth).
Each offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Jeremy Staunton said the AFP had zero tolerance for threats or menacing behaviour in the community or online.
"Police have the tools and resources to identify individuals or groups who seek to promote hate and fear within our community, even if they are trying to hide behind the anonymity of a keyboard, social media or email account," Det Supt Staunton said.
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, including the targeting of the Jewish community.
