A Melbourne man, 30, has been charged for his alleged role in creating and publishing an offensive video online, which included alleged threats of violence against an Australian Senator.
The AFP launched an investigation in January 2022 into a video allegedly shared by the man online after receiving a report from a member of the Australian Senate.
Following extensive investigations into the matter, the AFP executed a search warrant at the man's home in the Melbourne suburb of Mernda on 2 June, 2022.
Investigators seized three electronic devices during the search warrant, which police will allege contained evidence of the man's involvement in producing and distributing the video.
The AFP issued a court attendance notice on 24 August, 2023 compelling the 30-year-old to appear before the Heidelberg Magistrate's Court on 20 September, 2023, to answer the charge of:
- Using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence under section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
If convicted, the maximum penalty for the offence is five years' imprisonment.
AFP Commander Stephen Nutt said the AFP took all reports regarding the safety and security of Australian high-office holders seriously.
"The AFP supports political expression and freedom of speech, but when it leads to criminal behaviour - including threats and harassment - it will not be tolerated," Commander Nutt said.
"The AFP has world-leading technology to identify individuals who break the law by harassing, menacing or threatening Commonwealth officials."
