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Three Australian women have been arrested and charged by NSW and Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism teams after flying into Sydney International Airport and Melbourne International Airport.
Two Australian women, aged 53 and 31, from Victoria, were charged by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team with crimes against humanity offences allegedly committed in Syria, having arrived in Melbourne on 7 May.
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Another Australian woman, 32, was charged by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team for allegedly entering and remaining in a declared conflict zone and joining ISIS, having arrived back in Sydney also on 7 May.
The 53-year-old woman was charged with enslavement crimes, with the offences carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
It’s alleged that the woman travelled to Syria in 2014 with her husband and children, and was complicit in the purchase of a female slave for US$10,000, and knowingly kept the woman in the home.
The 31-year-old woman was also charged with enslavement crimes, with a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
It’s alleged that the woman travelled to Syria in 2014 with her family and knowingly kept a female slave in the home.
The 32-year-old woman was charged with entering or remaining in declared areas, being a member of a terrorist organisation; both offences carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
It’s alleged that the woman travelled to Syria in 2015 to join her husband, who had previously left Australia and joined ISIS.
The women were detained by Kurdish forces in March 2019 and held with other family members in Al Roj Internally Displaced Persons camp.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Stephen Nutt said operational planning for the potential return of individuals from the Middle East started in 2015 and was later formalised under an overarching operation named Kurrajong.
“Australian JCTTs methodically investigated all Australians who travelled to declared conflict areas and will ensure those who are alleged to have committed a criminal offence are put before the courts,” Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
“JCTTs include some of the most experienced national security investigators and analysts in our country.
“This remains an active investigation into very serious allegations.”
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said the safety of all Victorians remains paramount.
“Victoria Police will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners and other agencies to ensure there is no risk to our local community,” Assistant Commissioner O’Brien said.
“We want to reassure all Victorians that anyone residing in our state who has committed serious criminal offences, including those returning from conflict areas, will be held to account.”
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