In a joint operation, detectives from Counter Terrorism Command and North West Metropolitan Region have today arrested four men as part of a day of action against the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Socialist Network.
With assistance from Stonnington Crime Investigation Unit, five search warrants were executed early this morning at residential addresses in North Melbourne, Point Cook, Baxter, Ashwood and Wantirna South as part of an investigation into a series of incidents.
A 25-year-old North Melbourne man was interviewed by detectives in relation to the offences of serious racial vilification and grossly offensive public conduct.
He was released and is expected to be charged on summons.
A 23-year-old Baxter man and a 21-year-old Ashwood man were both interviewed in relation to the offences of serious racial vilification and grossly offensive public conduct.
They were both released and are expected to be charged on summons.
Today’s activity follows an incident on Thursday, 31 October where police will allege a number of men, dressed in offensive clothing, verbally harassed two female members of the public in a retail store carpark in Port Melbourne around 7.30pm.
As part of the day of action, detectives from Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit executed a simultaneous warrant in Wantirna South in relation to a separate investigation.
A 31-year-old Wantirna South man was charged with two counts of intimidate a police officer/family member.
He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 18 February.
The charges follow two alleged incidents which occurred late last month.
The first relates to online commentary following a rally on Bourke Street around 5pm on Tuesday, 22 October.
He was also interviewed in relation to an incident outside an embassy in Toorak about 12.30pm on Saturday, 26 October where a national flag was burned.
He was released pending further enquiries in relation to offences against the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act.
Police take a zero-tolerance approach to any acts of prejudice motivated crime or intimidation of police officers.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
