Two people have been arrested today by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team, Sydney as part of the ongoing Operation Peqin investigation.
A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old female, both from Guildford, were arrested in Guildford this morning.
The 20-year-old man was taken to Parramatta Police Station, while the teenage girl was taken to Granville Police Station.
Both are expected to be charged with one count each of Getting funds to, from or for a terrorist organisation, the offence for which the maximum sentence is 25 years imprisonment.
NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said the 20-year-old man is the last member of the original Operation Appleby group to be charged with a criminal offence.
“I previously said that it was disturbing that we continue to deal with teenaged children in this environment. And today’s arrest hasn’t altered that position,” Deputy Commissioner Burn said.
Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner National Security Michael Phelan emphasised that today’s arrests did not relate to the planning of a terrorist attack in Australia, and there was no imminent threat to the community as a result of today’s activity.
“The charges these two people are expected to face relate to their alleged activities in raising funds and attempting to transfer those funds to an overseas terrorist organisation,” Deputy Commissioner Phelan said.
Police did not say how much money was sent offshore or how it was raised.
The pair, both from Guildford, knew each other, and were expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
To report any suspicious activity call National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
