First charges laid under antisemitism task force

AFP Special Operation Avalite has charged a Western Sydney man with allegedly making death threats to members of a Jewish organisation.

The Blacktown man, 44, was charged today (16 January, 2025) with one count of using a carriage service to make a threat to kill, contrary to section 474.15(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) and one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).

The offences carry a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment and five years' imprisonment, respectively.

He was granted watchhouse bail andis scheduled to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on 26 February, 2025.

Special Operation Avalite executed a search warrant at the man's Blacktown home today (16 January, 2025), seizing electronic devices and documents.

The AFP will allege the man posted death threats to a Jewish association's social media page.

The AFP will allege it linked the man to a social media account that posted the comments.

AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said today's charges were the first since Special Operation Avalite was set up in December, 2024.

"Special Operation Avalite was established to target high-harm, recidivist antisemites,'' Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.

"The experienced investigators and analysts working under Special Operation Avalite are also working to identify prolific antisemites causing high-harm in the community.

"A number of individuals are under investigation and the community should expect further charges.