The Weston man is accused of putting up white nationalist propaganda at ANU and Canberra shopping centres, as well as performing the Nazi salute in public. Photo: AFP.
An 18-year-old man is expected to front court today (Friday, 26 December) after allegedly performing Nazi salutes in shopping centres and trespassing at the ANU.
The Weston man is accused of trespassing at the Australian National University multiple times in August and September, where he allegedly stuck propaganda-style stickers on buildings and other property.
Police have also alleged he put up stickers at a Canberra shopping centre in October. When he was confronted by a member of the public, the man’s accused of performing a Nazi salute before leaving the centre.
The man allegedly performed another Nazi salute on 12 December at a different shopping centre.
An AFP National Security Investigations team, with support from ACT Policing, carried out a search warrant at a Weston property on Wednesday (24 December, 2025).
Officers seized mobile phones, a computer, stickers, storage devices, a video camera and clothing.
The man was subsequently charged with:
- Two counts of public display of prohibited Nazi symbols or giving Nazi salute, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and is subject to mandatory minimum sentencing provisions
- Two counts of damaging Commonwealth property, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment
- Two counts of offensive or disorderly behavior on Commonwealth premises, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 penalty units
AFP Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said antisemitism would not be tolerated in Australia.
“Anyone allegedly performing Nazi salutes is displaying criminal behavior that brings pain and anguish to the Jewish community and divides Australian society,” he said.
“Antisemitism is a cancer that requires swift and direct action, which is what the AFP is continuing to do. Along with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to stopping hate, division and violence in the community.”
The National Security Investigations team was established in September to target groups and individuals “causing high harm to Australia’s social cohesion”, including attempts to vilify marginalised communities.
Signs a person may be susceptible to radicalisation include:
- distancing themselves from their usual friends and family members
- an increase in the extremist nature of their rhetoric or propaganda they propagate
- a child using hateful or emotionally charged language
- developing a fixation on conspiracy theories or contentious social issues
- displaying extreme reaction to certain news or politics
- spending increasing amounts of time in fringe forums on the internet.
If you believe someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or local police (131 444). If you suspect someone is being radicalised online or in person, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
For anonymous reporting, visit Crime Stoppers or call 1800 333 000.
