A Sydney man was arrested at Mount Lewis and charged with foreign incursion offences, being the first Australian-based person to be charged with this offence. 

25-year-old Belal Betka, allegedly travelled to the conflict zone in Syria in March 2015, before returning to Australia in October 2015. He was investigated by the police since his return. 

He was charged with incursion into foreign countries with the intention of engaging in hostile activities, under section 119.1(2) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). This carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. 

In addition, he was also charged with enter/ remain in declared area under section 119.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). This carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. 

“This has been a long a pain staking process, putting the pieces of the puzzle together to turn 
intelligence into evidence,” Australian Federal Police acting Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Hurst said. 
She added that the arrest was “the culmination of long-term surveillance, intelligence, and protracted evidence-gathering”. 

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner and the Commander Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, Mick Willing said that it’s illegal to fight for a terrorist organisation anywhere. 

“Anyone who thinks they can, needs to reconsider that position,” he said. 

“The public can be reassured that all enforcement agencies, at state and national level, work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the community,” he added.