MELBOURNE: Boy collected terrorism material
A boy has been charged by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team with allegedly collecting manuals, guides and material promoting ISIS-inspired terrorism.
Investigations began after intelligence indicated an ISIS flag, destined for an address in Melbourne’s inner-city, was imported into Australia.
Further inquiries conducted into the consignee details allegedly led police to identify the boy, 17, as the recipient.
A search warrant was executed on that address on Tuesday (Mar. 24), with officers seizing a mobile phone and laptop.
He was charged with:
n One count of collecting or making documents that facilitate terrorist act; and
n One count of import a prohibited import, an ISIS flag.
The documents offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
The boy appeared at a Victorian children’s court, where he was remanded to re-appear at a later date.
There is no current identified threat to community safety., said the Australian Federalc Police.
The Victorian JCTT is comprised of members from the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should contact the National Security Hotline (1800 123 400) no matter how small or insignificant you think the information may be.