Man charged after ‘extremist material’ allegedly found on phone in NYE bust
A Sydney man has been charged with possession of extremist material following a counter-terrorism police investigation into phones seized at a vehicle stop on New Year’s Eve.
Three mobile phones, along with drugs and cash, were seized after police stopped a Toyota sedan in Dargan Street, Yagoona, on New Year’s Eve.
Abdallah El Chami was charged with drug supply, proceeds of crime and vehicle offenses during his initial arrest and was released on bail on New Year’s Day.
However, violent extremist material was allegedly found on one of the phones after it was forensically examined and the 31-year-old was re-arrested under a state warrant executed at a home in Bass Hill on Wednesday morning.
Police seized more mobile phones and storage devices, as well as a knife, and charged El Chami with using a transport service to possess violent extremist material and possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit.
He was granted bail in Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday with conditions including that he report to police three times a week and stay away from alcohol and drugs unless prescribed.
El Chami is also required to stay at home unless reporting to the police, going to court, or attending medical and legal appointments. Under other bail conditions, which include a $20,000 surety, he can only have a cell phone that cannot connect to the internet and can give police access to that phone if requested.
El Chami will appear in court again on March 4.
Using the transport service to access violent extremist material was made illegal in January 2024. Examples provided by the State Attorney’s Office include images and videos of crimes linked to a terrorist organization or extremist ideology, as well as manifestos and propaganda.
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Jack Gramenz is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.
