Australian counterterrorism officers say a 65 year old Melbourne man spent years distributing Islamic State propaganda and material linked to mass casualty attacks, after an investigation that began with a phone search at Melbourne Airport.

MELBOURNE, September 23, 2026 — Australian counterterrorism officers have arrested and charged a 65 year old Melbourne man accused of acting as a major online propagandist for Islamic State and distributing thousands of extremist files over several years.

Mohamed Bakit was arrested during a raid on a home in Carlton on Wednesday after authorities conducted a lengthy investigation into his alleged online activities.

Police allege Bakit sent about 10,000 files containing extremist material between November 2015 and July 2020, making him one of the principal distributors of Islamic State propaganda within groups operating on an encrypted messaging platform.

The allegations go beyond simply possessing extremist material.

Investigators say the content included information about avoiding detection by law enforcement and instructional material related to planning and carrying out mass casualty attacks.

Authorities have stressed, however, that Bakit has not been linked to any specific terrorist attack and that police have identified no current threat to the Australian community.

Investigation Began With a Phone Search at Melbourne Airport

The case traces back nearly six years.

Australian Border Force officers intercepted Bakit at Melbourne International Airport on November 21, 2020, before he was due to travel to Egypt.

During an examination of his luggage and mobile phone, officers allegedly discovered suspicious material.

The phone was then handed to federal police for further examination.

Investigators say subsequent forensic analysis revealed that Bakit had allegedly accessed and shared Islamic State extremist material through an encrypted messaging service.

The investigation continued for years.

In 2024, authorities executed another search warrant and seized additional electronic devices for forensic examination.

Police say analysis of those devices ultimately led investigators to conclude that Bakit had allegedly pledged allegiance to Islamic State and operated as an online propagandist from Australia.

Police Allege Around 10,000 Files Were Distributed

Investigators allege Bakit distributed roughly 10,000 files over a period spanning almost five years.

The material allegedly included videos, images, audio files, documents and messages connected to Islamic State propaganda.

Authorities say some of the content depicted extreme violence and was designed to promote extremist ideology and encourage radicalisation.

More significantly, police allege the material also included information aimed at helping users avoid law enforcement detection and instructional guides related to mass casualty attacks.

Australian Federal Police officials described the alleged scale of the distribution as significant, saying it placed Bakit among the principal distributors of Islamic State propaganda within the online groups being investigated.

Five Charges Filed After Carlton Raid

Bakit was charged with one count of membership of a terrorist organisation.

He also faces three counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence by transmitting violent extremist material, as well as one count of possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained through a carriage service.

The offences carry maximum penalties that can include up to 10 years in prison.

Bakit appeared briefly before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday afternoon.

His lawyer said he intends to apply for bail.

Outside court, his legal team said he denies the charges.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Police Say No Specific Attack Has Been Linked to the Case

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, authorities have emphasised that investigators have not connected Bakit to a particular terrorist attack.

Police also said they have identified no current threat to the wider community arising from the case.

That distinction is significant.

The investigation centres on alleged membership, propaganda distribution and extremist material rather than an allegation that Bakit personally carried out or was preparing a specific attack.

Authorities are nevertheless continuing to examine his suspected online network.

Police have said further arrests have not been ruled out as Australian investigators work with international partners to identify other individuals who may be connected to the alleged activity.

Why the Case Matters

The arrest highlights the growing focus of counterterrorism agencies on extremist activity taking place online rather than solely on physical attack planning.

Authorities say terrorist organisations continue to depend heavily on digital platforms to distribute propaganda, recruit supporters and circulate material intended to encourage acts of violence.

For investigators, the alleged distribution of thousands of files over several years represents the type of online activity that can potentially reach audiences far beyond Australia.

The case will now move through the Australian courts, where prosecutors will be required to establish the allegations against Bakit.

For now, the most important unanswered questions concern the full extent of the alleged online network, who received the material and whether investigators will identify additional suspects as the inquiry continues.