Findon man facing 31 terrorism, explosives manufacturing and firearm charges after joint investigation

A Findon man has been arrested by a multi-agency terrorism operation involving ASIO.

A Findon man allegedly possessed weapons and instructions to build bombs when he was arrested in a joint anti-terrorism operation involving ASIO, police say.

The man, 24, faced court on Wednesday charged with a range of terrorism and explosives charges after a joint federal, state and national intelligence investigation.

He is charged with ten counts of possess information for terrorist acts and 11 counts of possess instructions to make an explosive device.

The investigation included the Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and SA Police’s Counter Terrorism and Security Section.

The Findon man has previously been charged by SAPOL with offences relating to the alleged illegal manufacture and possession of firearms and is now facing a total of 31 charges after an investigation into ideologically-motivated violent extremism.

The man appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he was remanded in custody on the new charges and is scheduled to appear again in March next year.

He faces a maximum seven years in jail.

Police said they had not identified any threat to the community’s safety during the investigation.

SAPOL Assistant Commissioner Noel Bamford praised the efforts of investigators involved.

“The South Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team continues to monitor and take definitive action against individuals or groups who promote this type of violence in this state,” Assistant Commissioner Bamford said.

“The actions taken in this matter clearly demonstrate the ongoing co-ordinated and cooperative approach by all agencies involved in the joint approach to investigating these types of criminal activities.“

AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Scott Lee said the AFP took every terrorism-related offence and potential threat to the community very seriously.

“It’s alleged the man possessed weapons and had instructions for the manufacture of explosive devices, which poses a significant threat to the Australian public,” Assistant Commissioner Lee said.

“The AFP works closely with its state and territory partners through the Joint Counter Terrorism Teams to combine resources, share intelligence and act quickly when the safety of the community is at risk.”