A Gold Coast man is expected to appear before Southport Magistrates Court today (8 July, 2026) charged with violent extremist material offences.
The Pacific Pines man, 51, allegedly possessed and shared violent videos and propaganda messages linked to the Hamas, Hezbollah, Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Ansar Allah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist organisations.
Police will allege the material – dating back to 2014 – was shared with friends and family members through an encrypted social platform. The man is the second person to be arrested as part of a Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team (QLD JCTT) investigation.
Investigations began after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted the man following his return to Australia from the United Arab Emirates in October, 2025.
During an examination of the man’s mobile phone, ABF officers located suspected violent extremist material, and the phone was later seized for forensic examination. The matter was referred to the AFP, before the QLD JCTT commenced an investigation.
As a result of further inquiries, the QLD JCTT executed a search warrant at a Pacific Pines home on 13 November, 2025. During the search, alleged violent extremist material was located on an electronic device.
Another resident, also a Gold Coast man, 19, was charged on that date and later released on bail.
The 51-year-old man was charged with:
- One count of using a carriage service for violent extremist material, contrary to section 474.45B of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- Six counts of possessing or controlling violent extremist material, contrary to section 474.45C of the Criminal Code (Cth).
These terrorism offences each carry a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
Investigations are ongoing.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier 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,” Assistant Commissioner Crozier said.
“The AFP, together with our state, Commonwealth and international partners, is actively targeting those who promote hatred, as decency and respect are core values every member of our community has the right to expect.
“Our top priority is to keep Australians safe from anyone who seeks to do them harm.”
ABF Acting Assistant Commissioner Rosemaree Cracknell said her officers were often the first line of defence against threats to Australia’s security.
“Our officers are highly trained to detect indicators of criminality and national security threats at the border,” a/Assistant Commissioner Cracknell said.
“Anyone seeking to transport, possess or distribute violent extremist material should expect that our officers have the powers and capability to detect that activity and bring it to the attention of our law enforcement partners.
“Australia’s border is a hostile environment for those who seek to threaten our community.”
Queensland Police Service (QPS) Acting Assistant Commissioner Heath Hutchings said the QPS remained committed to working with its partner agencies for the safety and security of the whole community.
“The collective power and capabilities of all agencies in the JCTT sends a strong message about the commitment to thoroughly investigate and then put offenders before the courts,” a/Assistant Commissioner Hutchings said.
The QLD JCTT is comprised of members from the AFP, QPS and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
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.
Australia’s anti-terrorism laws, set out in the Criminal Code (Cth), are outlined further on the Attorney-General’s Department website.
Anyone with information about extremist activity, or possible threats to the community, should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you think the information may be.
Call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. Alternatively, visit the Crime Stoppers website or call 1800 333 000. In a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).
