Counter-terrorism police have charged a 25-year-old western Sydney man, alleging he travelled to civil war-torn Syria to fight for a "terrorist organisation".
Police arrested Belal Betka at his Mount Lewis home yesterday and charged him with several offences, including "incursion into foreign countries with the intention of engaging in hostile activities".
It is the first time a person in Australia has been charged with the offence, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
A statement on the Australian Federal Police (AFP) website warned people against travelling abroad to fight for "terrorist organisations".
"Anyone who thinks they can needs to reconsider that position," Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said.
"The public can be reassured that all law enforcement agencies, at state and national level, work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the community."
Police will allege the man travelled to the Syrian conflict zone in March 2015, and returned to Australia in October 2015.
He has also been charged with dealing in proceeds of crime, and the manufacture and production of prohibited drugs.
The man appeared in Bankstown Local Court today, where his hearing was adjourned until tomorrow.
The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team — comprising the NSW Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and the NSW Crime Commission — said the arrest was part of a money laundering probe.
