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Authorities have uncovered hundreds of fake Australian Federal Police badges dumped in a Cairns creek ahead of executing a search warrant of a local house.
The raid joins five others across several states as part of an investigation into a group of people alleged to be impersonating government officials and holding anti-government sentiment.
Joint Counter Terrorism Teams executed search warrants in Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane, as well as in Peterborough in South Australia and two locations in Perth, including the suburb of Tuart Hill.
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Australian Federal Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Donoghoe has described the behaviour of the group as “extremely concerning.”
“We are also aware of a shipment of three boxes of replica AFP badges that were consigned to a house in Cairns,” Mr Donoghoe said.
“These boxes were found dumped in a local creek and recovered by the Queensland Police.
“470 badges were recovered and enquires are continuing to make sure that no other badges are in possession of this group or any of their associates."
Mr Donoghoe also confirmed a Perth man has been arrested and charged with impersonating an AFP officer.
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The arrest follows an investigation into a fake video falsely claiming to be from Commissioner Reece Kershaw.
Mr Donoghoe said police would allege the Perth man unsuccessfully claimed to be an AFP official to obtain stamps and ID badges bearing the AFP’s logo.
“This video is complete and utter nonsense. It is not from the AFP,” he said.
“It has absolutely no truth or credibility to it.”
“We have no evidence that this group has the ability or capability to commit violent acts to overthrow the federal government.”
The man from Tuart Hill is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, 16 August.
If found guilty, he faces up to two years in jail.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Scott Lee said the group's efforts to impersonate AFP officials was concerning.
“We have found no evidence this group has the ability – or has actually attempted – to carry out specific violent acts in support of statements made by members of this group,” he said.
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"We will not hesitate to lay further charges if more criminal offences are identified.”
The Queensland JCTT is comprised of members of the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police Service and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
Anyone with information on extremist activity or possible threats to the community is urged to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
Main points
- 470 fake AFP badges have been uncovered in a Cairns creek
- The Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team has also conducted a search warrant of a Cairns house
- Nation-wide investigations are being made into a group of people alleged to be spreading anti-government sentiment
