This is a joint media release with the Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police Service
The Brisbane Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has conducted an operation to disrupt a network allegedly involved in the recruitment and financing of foreign fighters to Syria, resulting in the arrest of two men.
A 21-year-old Boronia Heights man and a 31-year-old Kuraby man have been charged and are expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates court, following a 12 month joint operation carried out by the JCTT, which includes the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Queensland Police Service (QPS).
It will be alleged that the men were actively involved in recruiting, facilitating and funding people to travel to Syria to engage in hostile activities with proscribed terrorist group Jabhat al-Nusra.
Today officers from the JCTT arrested the men and conducted nine search warrants in the Brisbane suburbs of Kuraby, Morningside, Boronia Heights, Underwood, Runcorn, Calamvale, Eagleby and Sunnybank Hills.
AFP National Manager Counter Terrorism Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said that the safety of the community is the highest priority for law enforcement.
“Australians travelling offshore to engage in, or support terrorist activities or conflict present a significant threat to Australia’s national security – both in foreign countries and upon their return to Australia,” Assistant Commissioner Gaughan said.
“This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of Australia’s law enforcement and security agencies when we work closely together to protect the community in the fight against terrorism”.
Queensland Police Service Assistant Commissioner Gayle Hogan said continued co-operation among agencies was vital.
“The Queensland Police Service is committed to working with all partner jurisdictions to keep Queenslanders safe from the threat of terrorism and is well equipped to deal with all contingencies,” said Assistant Commissioner Hogan.
“We remain vigilant and will continue to be proactive in this endeavour.”
Police continue to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity they see or hear to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Investigations are continuing.
Summary of charges:
The 21-year-old Boronia Heights man has been charged with:
- Preparations for incursions into foreign states with intention of engaging in hostile activities contrary to section 7 of the Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Act 1978.
- Recruiting persons to join organisations engaged in hostile activities against foreign governments contrary to section 8 of the Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Act 1978.
The 31-year-old Kuraby man has been charged with:
- Getting funds to, from, or for a terrorist organisation contrary to section 102.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
- Preparations for incursions into foreign states with intention of engaging in hostile activities contrary to section 7 of the Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Act 1978.
