BREAKING NEWS: Two Australian men have been charged with trafficking weapons to the notorious National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB), escalating tensions in a region already marked by violence and unrest. This urgent update follows a comprehensive two-year investigation by multiple agencies, triggered by the kidnapping of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens in February 2023.
The accused, a 64-year-old man from New South Wales and a 44-year-old man from Queensland, allegedly conspired to supply firearms and ammunition to the TPNPB, which has been engaged in a long-standing struggle for independence from Indonesia. The alarming connection between these men and the TPNPB raises significant concerns about the trafficking of illegal weapons from Australia to international militant groups.
Authorities report that the investigation gained momentum after Mehrtens was taken captive on a remote airstrip in the Indonesian Province of West Papua. He was held for an agonizing 592 days before his release in September 2024. The TPNPB, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, aims for violent independence, complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region.
According to court documents, between March and April 2024, the NSW man traveled to Indonesia to meet with TPNPB members and allegedly smuggled an optical rifle scope into the country. Investigators executed raids on both men’s residences in November 2024, seizing suspicious items, including 13.6 kg of mercury, a substance often associated with illegal activities.
The NSW man faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to traffic and unlawful supply of weapons, alongside possession of a controlled substance. The Queensland man has been charged with a single count of possessing explosives, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison. Both individuals are set to appear in Brisbane’s Magistrates Court on October 17, 2025.
“This operation showcases our commitment to combating the trafficking of illegal weapons,” said AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt. “Anyone involved in the trafficking of illegal weapons from Australia with the intention of providing them into the hands of international groups should be warned.”
This urgent case underscores the need for vigilance against criminal syndicates and highlights the collaboration between Australian authorities and international partners, including New Zealand Police, to maintain community safety. As the situation develops, further updates are expected on the implications of these charges for both the accused and the ongoing conflict in West Papua.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, which has far-reaching implications for regional security and international relations.
