Four men have been arrested in Melbourne for allegedly accessing and sharing ISIS propaganda, occurring within hours of the high-profile return of four women from Syria who were linked to the terror group.
Investigation Triggered by Airport Seizures
The investigation was initiated after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers seized a mobile phone from a man at Melbourne International Airport on November 29, 2024. The individual, now aged 20 and from Roxburgh Park, was returning from Turkey and allegedly had suspicious content on his device.
On June 1, 2025, ABF officers intercepted a second man, aged 21 and also from Roxburgh Park, at the same airport. He was en route to Turkey and similarly had suspicious material on his phone.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) examined the seized devices and alleged that the men were sending, sharing, and receiving suspected violent extremist material, including images and videos of previous terrorist attacks and other ISIS propaganda.
Arrests Coincide with Return of ISIS Brides
Officers arrested four men on Thursday, the same day the so-called ISIS brides and their children landed in Australia. Three women and eight children arrived in Melbourne, while one woman and her son landed in Sydney. Three of the women were arrested shortly after landing, while only one was permitted to walk free in Melbourne.
Raids and Charges
Search warrants were executed at homes in Roxburgh Park, Clyde South, and Meadow Heights, where additional electronics and phones were seized. During a raid in Roxburgh Park, an officer's firearm was unintentionally discharged, but no injuries were reported.
The two men from Roxburgh Park were arrested alongside two men from Clyde North, aged 19 and 29. Each has been charged with possession of violent extremist material, which carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. Three of the men were refused bail, while the fourth was granted strict conditional bail and is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on July 30.
A fifth man, aged 21, was arrested at a home in Meadow Heights but was released pending further inquiries.
AFP Statement
AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson praised the National Security Investigations Team, stating, 'We allege these men were actively engaging in the sharing of this material inspired by ISIS, a terrorist organisation responsible for mass killings, and violent religious persecution.'
She added, 'We know that intervening early helps to ensure individuals are disrupted before they reach the most serious levels of offending and prevent any potential for escalation to violence. The disruption sends a clear message – the AFP, together with our state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners are watching, and we will not tolerate any type of hatred in our community.'
Authorities urge anyone who suspects someone is being radicalised online or in person to call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000).
