A Brisbane man has been charged with terrorism offences after allegedly planning to travel to Syria and recruiting others to join him in engaging "in hostile activities against foreign governments".
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The Australian Federal Police allege the 21-year-old Kuraby man made travel preparations for himself and others between late 2016 and early 2017, but none of them got out of the country.
Members of the Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) raided a house in Kuraby, about 20 kilometres south of Brisbane CBD, on Saturday morning and arrested the man.
He was charged with 12 counts of preparations for incursions into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities (for both himself and others) as well as two counts of recruiting persons (juveniles) to join organisations engaged in hostile activities against foreign governments.
The man was remanded in custody and was due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday. He faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Rippon reassured the community there was no threat after the operation on Saturday.
“Today’s operational activity is a reminder that the threat posed by terrorism is ongoing but the community should have confidence in the Queensland JCTT pursuing all investigative avenues at their disposal to contribute to the safety of our community,” he said.
“The collective power and capabilities of all agencies in the JCTT sends a strong message about the commitment to thoroughly investigate and then put before the courts those who engage in terrorism-related activity."
