The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team raided a West Footscray home on Tuesday as part of an investigation into five men charged over an alleged bid to join Islamic State.
West Footscray’s Robert Cerantonio and four other men have been charged with making preparations for incursions into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team executed warrants at a number of properties in Melbourne’s north and west on Tuesday as part of Operation Middleham.
“This operational activity is not linked to any increased threat or danger to the community,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
Robert “Musa” Cerantonio was arrested in Far North Queensland last Tuesday after the men were suspected of trying to travel to Indonesia from Cape York on a seven-metre fishing boat in a bid to get to Syria.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan said the arrested men, aged from 21 to 31 years old, were “very committed” to leaving the country after previously having their passports cancelled.
The ‘Brothers Behind Bars’ Facebook page, established after the arrests “to provide community support for incarcerated Muslims in Australia”, has called for prayers in light of the raids.
The men will face Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
