Four men were arrested in Melbourne for allegedly accessing and sharing ISIS propaganda, within hours of the high-profile return of four women to Australia from Syria who were linked to the terror group.

The investigation was triggered after Australian Border Force officers seized a mobile phone from a man at Melbourne International Airport on November 29, 2024.

The man, now aged 20 from Roxburgh Park, was returning to Australia from Turkey and allegedly had ‘suspicious content’ on his mobile device.

ABF officers then intercepted a second man, now aged 21 and also from Roxburgh Park, at Melbourne International Airport on June 1, 2025.

He was headed to Turkey and also allegedly had suspicious material on his phone.

Australian Federal Police examined the seized devices and alleged the men were sending, sharing and receiving suspected violent extremist material – including images and videos of previous terrorist attacks and other ISIS propaganda.  

Officers arrested four men on Thursday – the same day the ISIS brides and their children landed in Australia.

Three of the women and eight children landed in Melbourne while one woman and her son landed in Sydney. Three of the women were arrested soon after touching down, only one was allowed to walk free in Melbourne.

Four men were arrested and charged for allegedly possessing and sharing ISIS propaganda

An investigation into the alleged violent extremist material was flagged after two mobile phones were seized at Melbourne International Airport

Officers executed search warrants at homes in Roxburgh Park, Clyde South and Meadow Heights.

More electronics and phones were seized during the raids. One officer’s firearm was unintentionally discharged at a home in Roxburgh Park but no one was injured.

The two men from Roxburgh Park were arrested alongside two men from Clyde North, aged 19 and 29.

Each were charged with possession of violent extremist material, which carries a maximum of five years behind bars.

Three of the men were refused bail. The fourth was granted strict conditional bail and will return to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 30.

Officers arrested a fifth man, aged 21, at a home in Meadow Heights. He was released pending further inquiries.

AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson applauded the National Security Investigations Team.

‘We allege these men were actively engaging in the sharing of this material inspired by ISIS, a terrorist organisation responsible for mass killings, and violent religious persecution,’ Commander Hudson said.

Three of the four men arrested were refused bail

‘We know that intervening early helps to ensure individuals are disrupted before they reach the most serious levels of offending and prevent any potential for escalation to violence.

‘The disruption sends a clear message – the AFP, together with our state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners are watching, and we will not tolerate any type of hatred in our community.’

If you suspect someone is being radicalised online or in person, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

In a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).