Police have arrested two men in relation to the murder of Curtis Cheng at Parramatta on Friday 2 October, NSW Police said.
At 10.45 this morning police attached to the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad along with investigators from the Joint Counter Terrorism Team Sydney arrested a 22-year-old Merrylands at Merrylands West.
The 22-year-old is being interviewed and is expected to be charged with Supply Firearm, Breach of a Firearms Prohibition Order and Hinder Police.
We will be seeking to have bail refused and to put the 22-year-old before the court.
The second man, an 18-year-old Wentworthville man, who was arrested on Wednesday 7 October, and has remained in custody under specified time provisions, outlined in Section 23DD of the Commonwealth Crimes Act 1914, has also been arrested today and is in the process of being charged.
He will be charged at Surry Hills Police Station with Aid, Abet, Counsel and Procure the Commission of a Terrorist Act (S101.1 by virtue of S 11.2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995).
We will be seeking to have bail refused and to put the 18-year-old before the court.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said today’s significant developments are but just one step in the investigative process.
“These charges represent an exhaustive investigation which has not concluded but in many ways, has just commenced.”
“I want to acknowledge and thank the Sydney Joint Counter Terrorism Team for their dedication, professionalism and meticulous work around the clock.”
“I want to praise them for their efforts to date,” Commissioner Scipione said.
AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin said this outcome demonstrates the complex nature of collecting evidence in terrorism matters.
“I have said repeatedly our first priority is the safety of the community and today the laying of charges against these two men should reassure the community, that where there is evidence of criminal offending, we will find it and act,” Commissioner Colvin said.
“Today is the culmination of hundreds of hours of work by our officers whose professionalism and courage should be commended.
“There is much work still to be done and the ongoing security and safety of the Australian community depends on the vigilance of us all. “
A number of investigations remain ongoing including the inquiries being conducted by the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police, as well as the Critical Incident Investigation being conducted by the State Crime Command Homicide Squad.
This recognised that terrorism investigations can be complex and that there may be legitimate reasons for extended periods of detention for suspects in such matters.
A significant investigation remains ongoing in relation to those with alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Curtis Cheng.
This operation is another example of effective cooperation between Australia’s law enforcement and security agencies.
Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline.
