A New Zealand national who allegedly had videos on his phone of multiple overseas terrorist incidents is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (24 February, 2026) charged with possessing violent extremist material.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers stopped the man, 24, for a baggage examination at Perth Airport yesterday morning (23 February, 2026) after he arrived on a flight from overseas.
Police allege the ABF officers found suspicious material and immediately alerted the AFP.
The Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team (WA JCTT) - which comprises AFP, Western Australia Police Force (WAPF) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) - began an investigation with assistance from the WA Police State Security Investigations Group (SSIG).
A review of the phone identified data accessed via the internet that allegedly constitutes violent extremist material, including videos of violent killings overseas linked to varying ideologies and videos about manufacturing home-made explosives.
The WA JCTT then executed a search warrant at a property in Perth's CBD and seized a computer.
The man has been charged with:
- One count of possessing or controlling violent extremist material, contrary to section 474.45C of the Criminal Code (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
Investigations are ongoing, including forensic analysis of the seized devices.
AFP Commander Nick Read said the AFP worked closely with its partners to prevent the spread of violent extremist material, which undermined Australia's social cohesion.
"There is no place in Australian society for violent or extremist content, which terrorist organisations use as a tool to radicalise members of the community, particularly young or vulnerable people," Commander Read said.
"Our top priority is to keep Australians safe from anyone who seeks to do them harm."
ABF Superintendent John Eldridge said the ABF's frontline visibility and specialised border intelligence formed a critical part of Australia's operational picture that strengthened the understanding of behaviours threatening our social cohesion.
"Our officers will work hand in glove with our partners to identify and intercept those who may threaten community safety in Australia, at the border and beyond," Superintendent Eldridge said.
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.
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.
