The 24-year-old was stopped by Australian Border Force after arriving on an overseas flight. Video / Australian Federal Police (AFP)
A New Zealand man has been arrested at the Australian border after he was found with violent extremist material – including footage of violent killings and instructions on how to make home-made bombs – on his phone.
The man, 24, had flown into Perth Airport from overseas on Monday morningwhen he was stopped by Australian Border Force (ABF) agents for a random baggage examination.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) said border agents searched his handheld mobile to find footage of multiple overseas terrorist acts and notified police at the airport.
The Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team (WA JCTT), which includes members from AFP, Western Australian Police Force (WAPF) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), opened an investigation into the discovered contents.
The man’s phone was reviewed, with internet data identified that amounts to violent extremist material under Australian federal law.
Among the extremist material were violent killings in foreign countries linked to differing ideologies, and videos detailing how to make explosives at home.
The 24-year-old was stopped by border agents after arriving at Perth Airport on Monday morning. Photo / AFP
The joint task force obtained a search warrant for the man’s residence in Perth’s CBD, seizing a computer from the property.
Investigations are continuing, with both seized devices undergoing forensic analysis.
The man has been charged with one count of possessing or controlling violent extremist material, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
He was due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court yesterday.
AFP Commander Nick Read said the spread of violent extremist material is a threat to the social fabric of Australia.
“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,” Read said.
Police allege the man's phone held violent extremist material, including videos of killings and bomb-making instructions. Photo / AFP
“Our top priority is to keep Australians safe from anyone who seeks to do them harm.”
ABF Superintendent John Eldridgesaid the border force forms a crucial part of enforcement-related activities in Australia, often being the first line of defence to imported criminal activity.
“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,” Eldridge said.
AFP and JCTT partners have made limiting access to violent extremist material in Australia a priority in recent years.
To maximise prevention and ensure early intervention, agencies are continuing to raise awareness of violent extremism and its associated risks among parents, educators and healthcare providers.
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