A Perth man at the centre of a major counter-terrorism investigation is now facing four additional serious charges, as authorities continue to probe his alleged activities.
New Charges Laid in Ongoing Investigation
Lucas Shawn Cameron Young, a 21-year-old from the Perth suburb of Willagee, was slapped with the fresh allegations during a recent court appearance. The new charges come on top of two prior offences he was already facing, significantly escalating the legal stakes.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed the development, stating the investigation remains active and ongoing. Young was initially arrested and charged in late April 2024, and has been in custody since that time.
Details of the Alleged Offences
The four new charges laid against the young Perth man are all serious terrorism-related offences. They include:
- One count of preparing or planning a terrorist act.
- Two counts of possessing things connected with terrorist acts.
- One count of collecting or making documents likely to facilitate terrorist acts.
These new allegations join the two initial charges he faced, which were for acts done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act, and for possessing an item connected with the preparation of a terrorist act.
The AFP has emphasised that there is no ongoing threat to the community stemming from this investigation. The police action is the result of a protracted and meticulous probe by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) in Western Australia, which comprises members from the AFP, WA Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
Young faced the Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where the new charges were formally presented. He did not apply for bail and it was formally refused. The matter has been adjourned for a committal mention at a later date.
The maximum penalty for the most serious charge of preparing or planning a terrorist act is life imprisonment. This underscores the gravity with which Australian authorities and the judicial system treat such allegations.
The investigation that led to these charges was a collaborative effort spanning several months. The AFP stated that the work of the JCTT is crucial in identifying and disrupting potential threats to national security, no matter where they originate within the country.
As the case proceeds through the courts, authorities have reminded the public that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, the laying of additional charges indicates the prosecution is continuing to build its case based on evidence gathered by investigators.
