A Perth man has been charged by Western Australian police following a public tip-off about alleged anti-Semitic hate material being spread online.
Public Vigilance Leads to Arrest
The investigation was launched after members of the public contacted authorities about concerning online posts. Acting on this information, the WA Police Force's State Security Investigation Group (SSIG) began an inquiry into the alleged activities.
Detectives executed a search warrant at a home in the northern Perth suburb of Duncraig on Wednesday, 15 May 2024. During the search, officers seized several electronic devices for forensic examination.
Man Faces Court on Serious Charges
A 42-year-old man, identified as Martin Thomas Glynn, was arrested at the scene. He was subsequently charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, a serious offence under Commonwealth law.
Police allege the charge relates to the online publication of material that was vilifying persons of the Jewish faith. The accused was refused police bail and appeared before the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, 16 May 2024.
The court proceedings were brief, and Mr Glynn did not enter a plea. He was formally remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear again at the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on Friday, 17 May 2024.
Police Praise Community and Send Strong Message
In a statement following the arrest, a WA Police spokesperson commended the public for their vigilance. "The investigation was initiated as a result of information provided by the public," the spokesperson confirmed, highlighting the crucial role community members play in reporting harmful content.
The police also issued a stern warning about the consequences of posting hateful material online. "WA Police Force takes all reports of hate-motivated crime or incidents seriously and will investigate matters brought to our attention," the statement read.
"Posting of material online that vilifies any person or group based on their race, faith, ethnicity, or sexual orientation is a crime and will be investigated."
The State Security Investigation Group, which led this operation, is a specialised unit within WA Police responsible for investigating matters related to national security, extremism, and politically motivated violence.
