A Sydney woman is expected to appear before Blacktown Local Court today (16 October, 2025) charged with allegedly possessing 43 files containing violent extremist material on her mobile phone.
The woman, 23, came to police attention in July, 2025, after the AFP received information about a Sydney-based person promoting and sharing extremist material, and glorifying martyrdom on social media.
AFP inquiries allegedly identified the woman as the Sydney-based person.
A search warrant was executed in Quakers Hill that same month, with a mobile phone seized for further analysis.
Forensic review of the phone found 43 files allegedly classified as violent extremist material, and a second social media account which published this material.
Police will allege the files encouraged serious violent acts and were intended to motivate or inspire people to commit violent acts, and glorified martyrdom and allegiance to known terrorist groups.
It will also be alleged the woman operated two social media accounts which uploaded and shared violent extremist material to the wider community.
AFP officers charged the woman on 16 October 2025, with:
- One count of using a carriage service for violent extremist material, contrary to section 474.45B of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.45C of the Criminal Code (Cth).
Both offences carry a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said the AFP remained concerned about the large volume of violent extremist material online, and how its availability to young people could have serious consequences for the community.
"Preventing the possession, consumption and promotion of this material will reduce instances of radicalisation of people, particularly vulnerable people," Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
"The AFP will not allow Australia to become a hotbed for violent extremism and will not hesitate to lay charges.
"We cannot emphasise enough the importance of parents, schools, health and social services, and technology companies playing a role in preventing access to, and the consumption of, violent extremist material online and to spot the early signs of radicalisation.
"The AFP believes extremist groups - and their supporters - are targeting vulnerable and young individuals online as they are more susceptible to being influenced, in very similar ways to how child sex offenders attempt to groom children."
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.
A priority for the AFP 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. The AFP supports the increase in accountability by internet service providers and social media corporations to take action against the removal of violent extremist material online.
The AFP continues to remain vigilant and ready to respond to threats of radicalisation and extremism among vulnerable young people.
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 the toll free number 1800 333 000.
