A South Australian man faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court today (18 December, 2024) after being charged with alleged menacing offences against Commonwealth employees.
The AFP began its investigation into the man, 45, in October, 2024 after receiving a Report of Crime relating to the man allegedly sending a series of harassing messages via email.
On 12 November, 2024, the AFP executed a search warrant at the north-eastern suburb home of the Adelaide man and seized electronic devices including two laptops.
The man was charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The man was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 13 February, 2025.
AFP Detective Superintendent Melinda Adam said the AFP took seriously all reports of threats to Australian parliamentarians and Australian officials.
“The AFP has zero tolerance for threats or violence towards Australian High Office Holders, Parliamentarians, officials and people who work with them,” D/Supt Adam said.
“Any threat of harm or violence against a federal parliamentarian is a criminal offence and the AFP will act immediately to ensure their safety.
“The AFP works with state and territory law enforcement, intelligence agencies and other Commonwealth stakeholders to deliver protective security measures based on threat, risk and vulnerability.
“The AFP uses a range of tools including world-leading technology and intelligence techniques to identify individuals who break the law by harassing, menacing or threatening Commonwealth officials.”
