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Alleged IS funder to test digital evidence

Isa Kocoglu, a disability pensioner accused of funding Islamic State fighters in Syria, will test the digital evidence against him in court.

Accused IS funder Isa Kocoglu will test evidence at a committal hearing in July. Picture: Jake Nowakowski
Accused IS funder Isa Kocoglu will test evidence at a committal hearing in July. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A disability pensioner accused of funding Islamic State fighters in Syria will test the digital evidence against him in court.

Isa Kocoglu, 43, allegedly sent almost $4,000 using online payment system PayPal and cash deposits at the Kogarah branch of the Commonwealth Bank in Sydney’s southeastern suburbs between November 2013 and August 2014.

Mr Kocoglu, from Hampton Park in Melbourne’s southeast, appeared briefly in the Melbourne Magistrates Court this morning as his lawyers made further arrangements for a committal hearing in July.

Isa Kocoglu. Picture: Tony Gough.
Isa Kocoglu. Picture: Tony Gough.

At the time of his arrest in October, Mr Kocoglu was on a disability support pension due to his obesity and mental health.

Mr Kocoglu has been on a disability pension for several years but travelled to Turkey in 2015. He was born in Australia and has dual Turkish citizenship.

He spent almost one month in custody before he was released on bail in November on a $50,000 surety.

Defence lawyer Jessie Smith said her client wished to call a further witness to testify about the digital evidence being used in the case him.

She said police had seized four electronic devices under a search warrant and Mr Kocoglu’s identity was assumed for accounts on Facebook and other digital platforms.

The court has previously heard Mr Kocoglu administered a question and answer website where approved members could ask jihadists questions about Islam.

He remains on bail ahead of his committal on July 13.

Isa Kocoglu, arrested by the AFP in 2017. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.
Isa Kocoglu, arrested by the AFP in 2017. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/alleged-is-funder-to-test-digital-evidence/news-story/aa846513f793d35d7be52f5ad1699249