A Darwin teenager is scheduled to appear in a children's court today (29 October, 2026) charged with collecting documents likely to facilitate terrorist act, as well as schematics for 3D-printed guns.
The Northern Territory Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) - comprising the AFP, Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) - began an investigation earlier this month after receiving information via Crime Stoppers about violent extremist material suspected to have been posted online by an Australian user.
Inquiries by the JCTT revealed the teenager was the operator of various social media channels where it is alleged he accessed, discussed, and reposted violent extremist material.
JCTT investigators executed search warrants in Darwin yesterday (28 October, 2026) where they seized documents and multiple electronic devices, which allegedly contained violent extremist material and referenced violent attacks.
During an initial examination of the devices, investigators also identified alleged instructional schematics for the manufacture of 3D-printed firearms and other instructional documents and manuals investigators will allege are likely to facilitate a terrorist act.
The electronic devices will undergo further specialised forensic examination.
The teenager was arrested and charged with:
- One count of collecting or making documents likely to facilitate terrorist acts, contrary to section 101.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment;
- One count of possessing violent extremist material obtained using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.45C of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years' imprisonment; and
- One count of possessing or controlling firearms and explosives manufacture material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.45H of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years' imprisonment;
AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson said the Joint Counter Terrorism Teams were becoming increasingly concerned about the number of young people coming to their attention.
"It is well-documented that terrorists and violent extremists use the online environment to radicalise vulnerable individuals, and technology is enabling this to occur a rapidly increasing rate," Commander Hudson said.
"The speed and scale of radicalisation is becoming one of our most significant challenges, especially when it comes to young people.
"We need a whole-of-society effort to provide the protective factors that keep our youth safe from radicalisation and manipulation - and find ways to ensure they can be resistant to these threats.
"Without a serious intervention, the risk is our justice systems, mental health systems, education systems and financial systems will become overwhelmed by youth victims and perpetrators."
Northern Territory Police Force Acting Commander Crime, Mark Grieve, praised the joint agency response.
"The work of the JCTT shows the value of our agencies working closely together to identify potential threats and act quickly to keep the community safe," Commander Grieve said.
"It is deeply concerning to see allegations of this nature involving a young person, particularly where violent extremist material and information about the manufacture of firearms is alleged to be involved."
Recognising early signs of change in a young person's behaviour can play a crucial role in guiding young people to safe and supportive pathways.
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.
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 1800 333 000.
Information and support are also available at the Step Together website, which is a helpline and digital support service for people seeking advice on how to support loved ones and protect them from negative violent extremist interest.
