Full Breakdown
Melbourne Man Charged as Principal ISIS Propaganda Distributor
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Arrest and Charges
On September 23, 2026, Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police arrested 65-year-old Mohamed Bakit at his Carlton home. Bakit, an Australian citizen of Somali origin, is accused of pledging allegiance to ISIS and acting as an online propagandist. He faces five offences: one count of membership in a terrorist organisation, three counts of using a carriage service to menace, and one count of possessing or controlling violent extremist material, each carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. Bakit’s lawyer, Stephanie McLennan, said he denies the charges and will apply for bail.
Investigation Background
The case began after Australian Border Force officers examined Bakit’s luggage at Melbourne Airport in November 2020, before a six-month trip to Egypt. A forensic review of his phone uncovered “suspicious material,” prompting a referral to the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO). A second search warrant in 2024 seized additional devices. Authorities say the covert operation spanned several years, during which they monitored Bakit’s online activity.
Scope of Alleged Material
Forensic analysis of the seized devices allegedly revealed that Bakit distributed roughly 10,000 files—including videos, photographs, audio recordings and documents—between November 2015 and July 2020. The material reportedly depicts executions, mass murder, torture and ISIS propaganda, and contains instructions on evading detection and planning attacks. Police say the volume places Bakit among the top distributors on the encrypted platform he used.
Legal Proceedings
Bakit appeared briefly before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on the day of his arrest. The court was informed he suffers from a recent stroke, diabetes and hypertension. He is scheduled to return for a bail hearing at a later date. No evidence has been presented linking him to any specific terrorist attack, and police have stated there is no immediate threat to the community.
Official Responses
Police have not ruled out further arrests as investigations into Bakit’s associates continue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The videos, photographs, audio files and documents contain messages relating to abhorrent content, being executions, mass murder, torture and propaganda,” — Paula Hudson, acting assistant commissioner
- “The material allegedly shared by this man glorified acts of extreme violence and promoted a terrorist organisation, spreading a hateful ideology that's designed to radicalise others,” — Paula Hudson, acting assistant commissioner
Timeline
- November 2020 – Border Force intercepts Bakit’s luggage; suspicious material found on his phone.
- 2021 – JCTT launches covert investigation.
- 2024 – Second search warrant executed; additional devices seized.
- September 23, 2026 – Raid on Carlton home; Bakit arrested and charged.
Data & Statistics
- Approx. 10,000 files of extremist content alleged to have been shared.
- Distribution period: November 2015 – July 2020.
- Maximum statutory penalty for each charge: 10 years imprisonment.
What’s Next
Bakit will apply for bail at the upcoming hearing. Police indicated further arrests may follow as they continue to examine seized devices and investigate individuals linked to Bakit’s online network.