15- and 16-year-old boys from Moree arrested after police seize ballistic-style vest, notebooks and literature allegedly linked to terrorism.
Australian authorities have charged two teenage boys in northern New South Wales with offences related to violent extremist material, the latest development in an ongoing national security investigation by the state’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT).
The 15- and 16-year-old boys, both from the regional town of Moree, were arrested on Thursday following coordinated raids. Police allege they possessed and, in one case, transmitted material connected to extremist ideology.
A ballistic-style vest, several notebooks containing handwritten notes, and literature with alleged extremist references were seized from one of the homes during an initial search warrant executed last week. Forensic examination of the items prompted referral to the JCTT, which includes officers from NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the NSW Crime Commission.
Two Teens Arrested in Moree Over Extremist Material Charges:
On Thursday, investigators executed additional search warrants at two homes in Moree. The 15-year-old boy was arrested around 10am and charged with using a carriage service to transmit violent extremist material, as well as knowingly collecting or making documents connected with terrorism. Additional charges were added to any existing matters from the earlier search.
A short time later, the 16-year-old was arrested around 11:30am and charged with using a carriage service to possess violent extremist material.
Both boys were taken to Moree Police Station. Due to their ages, they cannot be named for legal reasons. They are expected to appear in children’s court in coming days.
No ongoing threat, police say:
Authorities have stressed there is no ongoing threat to the community. A police statement described the investigation as part of routine efforts to monitor and disrupt the spread of violent extremist content, particularly among young people accessing such material online or through other channels.
The case highlights growing concerns in Australia about the radicalisation of minors, including through digital platforms, where violent extremist ideologies can spread rapidly. Similar investigations in recent years have targeted teenagers in both urban and regional areas, with charges often centring on possession or sharing of material that glorifies terrorism or promotes violence.
Moree, a town of roughly 8,000 people near the Queensland border, is known for its agricultural economy and significant Indigenous population. The arrests have drawn attention to how extremist content can reach even remote communities.