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 and is 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,’’ 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.
Nutt added, “A number of individuals are under investigation, and the community should expect further charges. It is abhorrent that individuals are being targeted and threatened because of their race or religion. Special Operation Avalite is committed to keeping Australians safe and protecting our way of life.
“Antisemites should be on notice. If you engage in antisemitic conduct, you will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
