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Two Australian men have been accused of attempting to traffic firearms to a violent paramilitary group in Indonesia, after investigations into the kidnapping of a New Zealand pilot allegedly uncovered evidence linking the pair to the rebels.
The two men, from Queensland and NSW, also allegedly discussed sourcing Australian military weapons for the National Liberation Army of West Papua.
The arrests follow a two-year investigation between Australian Federal Police and Queensland’s counterterrorism team. The probe was launched after the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, known as TPNPB, kidnapped Phillip Mehrtens.
A 64-year-old man is arrested in Urunga, NSW. Credit: Australian Federal Police
Mehrtens, a pilot from Christchurch, was working for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air at the time.
He was kidnapped in February 2023 by the group after landing a small plane at Paro Airport in West Papua.
Fighters led by Egianus Kogoya stormed the small runway and abducted Mehrtens, threatening not to release him unless Jakarta allowed Papua to become a sovereign country.
Papuan separatist rebels with New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens, whom they took hostage in early February 2023.Credit: AP
Mehrtens, who was held for 592 days, was finally released in September last year.
The investigation was launched after the kidnapping uncovered evidence allegedly linking a 44-year-old Queensland man and a 64-year-old NSW man to the attempted trafficking of firearms and ammunition from Australia to the TPNPB.
Police allege the men also discussed sourcing Australian military firearms for the rebels.
The NSW man travelled to Indonesia between March and April last year to meet with the TPNPB, and allegedly illegally transported an optical rifle scope into Indonesia, police said.
Officers raided a home in Eagleby, south of Brisbane. Credit: Australian Federal Police
Officers raided the men’s homes – in Urunga, NSW, and the Logan suburb of Eagleby in Queensland – a month after Mehrtens’ release.
At the NSW property, they seized more than 13 kilograms of mercury metal, a controlled substance.
The pair were both charged with conspiracy to import tier 2 goods, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ jail.
The NSW man also faces a string of charges, including exporting tier 2 goods, conspiracy to traffic prohibited firearms out of Australia, and unlawful supply of weapons.
Officers seized several items in the investigation, including ammunition and more than 13 kilograms of mercury metal.Credit: Australian Federal Police
He appeared in the Coffs Harbour Local Court on Friday, where he was granted bail. He is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court in October.
The Queensland man is also on bail and scheduled to appear in the Brisbane court in October.
“This operation sends a clear message – those who seek to profit from the illegal trafficking of firearms will be identified and prosecuted,” Queensland Police Service Acting Assistant Commissioner Heath Hutchings said.
Mike Pannett, acting deputy commissioner with the New Zealand Police, said the investigation into Mehrtens’ kidnapping was complex, involving a number of jurisdictions and challenges.
“Our focus was always on the safe return of Phillip Mehrtens. While we are pleased Mr Mehrtens was released and able to return to his family, working closely with the Australian police agencies is an important part of protecting our community here in New Zealand.”
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