A Sydney man will appear before the Downing Centre Local Court today (11 June, 2025) for allegedly making a false or misleading statement to obtain an aviation security identification card (ASIC).
The AFP will allege the man, 41, made a false statement about his travel history when he applied for an ASIC in August, 2024.
An ASIC is a requirement to work in positions that need frequent and unescorted access to secure areas of an airport. It is also confirmation a person has undergone a valid background check.
The man was employed in a position located at Sydney Airport. As a result of checks by the man's employer, alleged discrepancies in his ASIC application were identified and the matter was referred to the AFP.
Following inquiries, the AFP issued the man with a court attendance notice to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today on one count of knowingly by act/omission make false/misleading statement, contrary to section 136.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 12 months' imprisonment.
Detective Acting Superintendent Davina Copelin said the AFP was committed to safeguarding the nation's airports.
"The AFP takes any attempt to compromise the aviation security framework extremely seriously," Det a/Supt Copelin said.
"A fraudulent ASIC application is not just an administrative offence, it presents a potential risk to public safety and national security.
"The penalties for making false declarations include significant fines and imprisonment, underscoring the gravity of these offences.
"Our mission is to keep the travelling public safe. The AFP continues to work closely with government and industry partners to ensure the highest levels of security and public confidence in Australia's aviation system."
The AFP is the lead law enforcement agency at nine designed airports: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
If you require a police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP's Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
