A Rockhampton man is facing life in jail if convicted for trying to join in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war.
The defendant appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court today (March 26), charged by the Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) with one count of foreign incursion.
The man, 33, was charged at Brisbane Airport on Wednesday (March 25) after he flew in from Thailand after two months in that country.
Australian Border Force (ABF) targeted the man for inspection upon his arrival at Brisbane International Airport.
ROCKHAMPTON RAID
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) say officers found night-vision equipment and military patches in his luggage and ‘material of interest’ on his electronic devices; AFP and Queensland Police officers then searched his home in Rockhampton.
The AFP say the man flew to Thailand in January and planned to travel to Myanmar to fight.
The man was charged by the Queensland JCTT and faces a maximum penalty of life in jail if convicted; investigations into his movements overseas are ongoing, the AFP says.
He was remanded in custody to re-appear in court on May 15.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said travelling overseas to fight is a matter that they take seriously.
“Travelling out of Australia to engage in hostile combat overseas is a serious criminal office,” he says said.
“Anyone who attempts to engage in such an act will be investigated and be held accountable of their criminal actions.”
Qld Police acting Assistant Commissioner Michelle Stenner says the work of all agencies involved in the JCTT sends a strong message.
“The collective power and capabilities of all agencies in the JCTT sends a strong message about the commitment to thoroughly investigate then put before the courts those who engage in foreign incursion related activity,” he says.
The Queensland JCTT member agencies are the QPS, AFP and ASIO.
Anyone with information about anyone intending to travel overseas to fight, or has done so, should contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
CONTACTING THE AFP FOR HELP
In an emergency, call 000 and ask for police.
In a non-urgent situation, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 to connect to local police.
If you aren’t sure what you need to do, contact the AFP on 131 237 (131 AFP).
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