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Four Melbourne Men Charged Over Alleged ISIS Propaganda Sharing
Four Melbourne men have been charged with possession of violent extremist material after allegedly accessing and distributing ISIS propaganda online, authorities revealed Friday.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) alleges the men, aged between 19 and 29, had been “actively engaging” in sharing ISIS-inspired material through messaging platforms and digital devices.
Adian Sarwari, Azan Syed, Mohammad Ahmadzai and Sulaiman Sarwari appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court where all four were granted bail in separate hearings despite prosecution opposition.
During court proceedings, it emerged that 21-year-old Mohammad Ahmadzai, an Australian citizen with no criminal history, was found with what his defense lawyer Lucy Massouras described as a “limited” number of videos on a phone seized during a raid of his Roxburgh Park home.
“There are some and they are disturbing,” Massouras conceded in court. “It’s conceded the prosecution case is a strong one.”
Commonwealth prosecutors argued against bail, describing the content allegedly found on Ahmadzai’s devices as “particularly serious” and “gruesome.”
Similarly, co-accused Sulaiman Sarwari, 29, also has no criminal convictions. He was supported in court by his wife, who became emotional as he was granted bail with a $10,000 surety. An AFP detective told the court Sarwari, from Clyde North, allegedly sent links via WhatsApp containing Islamic State material depicting “serious violence.”
All four men must adhere to strict bail conditions, including regular reporting to police. They are scheduled to return to court in July.
Investigation Origins
The charges stem from an investigation that began in November 2024 following a routine luggage check at Melbourne Airport. Authorities discovered “suspicious content” on the mobile phone of a Roxburgh Park man who was traveling to Turkey, leading to the seizure of the device.
The investigation expanded in June 2025 when police intercepted another Roxburgh Park man at Melbourne Airport, also departing for Turkey. His phone was similarly confiscated after officials found suspicious content. Both men had allegedly been sending extremist material including ISIS propaganda on their devices.
The arrests came after coordinated police searches of four homes across the Melbourne suburbs of Roxburgh Park, Clyde South and Meadow Heights on Thursday. During one search, an AFP firearm was unintentionally discharged, though no injuries were reported.
Electronic devices seized during the raids will undergo forensic examination as the investigation continues. Under Australian law, possession of violent extremist material carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
A fifth man, 21, was also arrested during the operation but was subsequently released pending further inquiries.
Counter-Terrorism Response
AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson emphasized the importance of early intervention in potential terrorism-related cases.
“We allege these men were actively engaging in the sharing of this material inspired by ISIS, a terrorist organization responsible for mass killings and violent religious persecution,” Hudson said in a statement.
“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 case highlights Australia’s ongoing vigilance against extremist content and potential radicalization through digital channels. Australia has maintained heightened counter-terrorism measures since 2014 when ISIS emerged as a significant global threat.
“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,” Hudson added.
The investigation remains ongoing with assistance from the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes members from various law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
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8 Comments
While the details are disturbing, it’s good to see Australian law enforcement taking action against those allegedly accessing and sharing ISIS propaganda. Maintaining vigilance against the spread of violent extremist content online is crucial for public safety.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of controlling the spread of dangerous extremist ideologies through digital platforms. Robust surveillance and swift legal action are needed to curb the influence of groups like ISIS, which continues to exploit modern technology.
Agreed, the use of messaging apps and social media to distribute propaganda is a major threat that authorities must stay ahead of. Glad to see these alleged offenders being held accountable, though the bail decisions raise concerns.
Grappling with the dissemination of terrorist propaganda is an ongoing challenge in the digital age. This case in Melbourne underscores the importance of robust intelligence gathering and prompt legal intervention to counter the influence of groups like ISIS.
Absolutely. Curbing the spread of such dangerous content requires a multi-faceted approach, combining technological solutions, intelligence-led policing, and firm legal action. Glad to see authorities taking this threat seriously.
Disturbing to hear about the alleged ISIS propaganda sharing in Melbourne. Authorities must remain vigilant in combating the spread of such violent extremist content online. Though granting bail seems risky, I trust the courts carefully weighed the evidence and circumstances.
Absolutely, monitoring and addressing the dissemination of terrorist propaganda is a critical security priority. Glad to see the charges being pursued, even if the bail decisions seem questionable.
Concerning to hear about the alleged ISIS propaganda sharing in Melbourne. While the bail decisions may raise eyebrows, I trust the courts carefully considered the evidence and circumstances. Authorities must remain vigilant in combating the spread of violent extremist content online.