A 41-year-old Victorian man has been charged under the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Special Operation Avalite for allegedly making death threats and antisemitic comments to a Commonwealth Member of Parliament.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said Special Operation Avalite remains committed to investigating and tackling antisemitic threats, particularly against elected officials.
“Anyone engaging in this type of deplorable behaviour can expect a knock on the door and a swift date with the courts,” Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
“No one—whether an elected representative or member of the public—should have to endure vile, villainous threats based on their race, religion, or ethnicity. We will not stand by and let antisemitism run rife through the Australian community.”
The man was charged on 18 March 2025 with:
- One count of using a carriage service to menace (contrary to subsection 474.17 of the Criminal Code), carrying a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
- One count of threatening to cause serious harm to a Commonwealth public official (contrary to subsection 147.2(1) of the Criminal Code), carrying a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.
The AFP alleges the man used social media to repeatedly contact the MP between 7 January and 19 February 2025, making violent threats and antisemitic remarks.
A search warrant was executed at his home in Officer, Melbourne, today (18 March), where authorities seized an electronic device.
Under Special Operation Avalite, AFP officers and analysts continue to investigate offences related to:
- Urging violence against groups
- Advocating terrorism or genocide
- Threats and harassment via carriage service
- Unlawful display of prohibited symbols
- Doxxing (sharing personal data to intimidate individuals)
The operation works alongside state and territory police but does not replicate their antisemitism investigations.
The man was granted bail and is scheduled to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 19 June 2025.
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