Original article by Perry Duffin, Sally Rawsthorne, Mostafa Rachwani, Michael McGowan
The Age – Page: Online : 17-Dec-25

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon says authorities are looking into the purpose of Sajid and Naveed Akram’s trip to the Philippines just weeks before the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. They are believed to have received military training by Islamic State, which still has a presence in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett says the early indications suggest that the Akrams’ terrorist attack had been "inspired by Islamic State" rather than their religion. Police are also investigating claims that the Akrams had prepared a manifesto documenting their extremist beliefs; they are also looking into how Sayid Akram was granted a gun licence in 2023, despite his son having previously been investigated over his links to IS supporters.

CORPORATES
NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE FORCE, AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE