Brisbane Teen Charged with Terrorism Possession After Police Raid

An 18-year-old teenager from The Gap, Brisbane, has been charged with terrorism offences following a police raid that uncovered violent extremist material, including electronic devices with large amounts of data, books linked to nationalist and racist extremism, and chemicals. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Queensland Police Service, along with ASIO, are investigating, with forensic analysis ongoing and further charges possible. AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt warned that extremist groups are increasingly targeting young and vulnerable people online for radicalisation, comparing their grooming tactics to those used by child sex offenders. Police urged parents and carers to watch for signs of radicalisation, such as social withdrawal or adopting extreme rhetoric, and to report concerns to authorities. The teenager faces two counts of possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained via carriage service, with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. This case underscores the broader concern about rising violent extremist content online and its impact on youth in Australia.