This is a joint media release with the Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police.
A Brisbane man, 40, on bail after being charged with terrorism offences was arrested last night (30 June 2022) after allegedly cutting off his electronic monitoring device and having an overseas flight booked in his name.
The Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) received notification that the man's monitoring bracelet had been tampered with yesterday evening. Subsequent enquiries by investigators established the man had left his Alexandra Hills home.
Members of the Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police found the man nearby and further investigation found he had a booking for a flight from Brisbane to Muscat, Oman, later that night.
The man is expected to face the Brisbane Arrest Court today (1 July 2022) charged with:
- Two counts of breach of bail contrary to section 28 of the Bail Act 1980 (Qld); and
- Willful damage contrary to section 469 of the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld).
In July 2021, the man was charged with preparation for foreign incursions as part of a Queensland JCTT investigation into a group involved in travelling to Syria to engage in hostile activity.
It is alleged the man played a senior role in a Brisbane-based group which maintained a religiously motivated violent extremist ideology and a desire to travel to Syria to engage in hostile activities.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Scott Lee said when offenders charged with terrorism offences do not comply with their set bail conditions, Joint Counter Terrorism Teams take swift action to bring them back before the courts.
"The AFP works closely with our joint counter terrorism partners to ensure the safety of the community, and we will continue to work to prevent further offending." Assistant Commissioner Lee said.
"The investigators of the Queensland JCTT worked quickly and effectively to locate this man and bring him before the courts once again."
Detective Inspector Leonie Steyger from the Queensland Police Security and Counter Terrorism Command said the investigators of the Queensland JCTT worked quickly and effectively to locate this man and bring him before the courts once again.
The Queensland JCTT is comprised of members of the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police Service and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.
