UPDATE: Two Australian men have been charged with trafficking weapons to the violent National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB), following a major investigation into their alleged supply of firearms and ammunition. Authorities have confirmed that the men, aged 64 from New South Wales and 44 from Queensland, were involved in an alarming international arms plot after the TPNPB kidnapped New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens.
This urgent case follows the shocking abduction of Mehrtens in February 2023, when he was taken from a remote airstrip in West Papua and held captive for a staggering 592 days before being released in September 2024. The TPNPB, which seeks independence from Indonesia, has been linked to numerous violent acts, raising significant concerns about regional security and the illicit arms trade.
The investigation, spanning over two years and involving multiple agencies, revealed that the NSW man traveled to Indonesia to meet TPNPB members and allegedly transported an optical rifle scope into the country. The men are accused of plotting to source Australian military firearms for the rebel group, further escalating tensions in the region.
On November 2024, authorities conducted raids on the men’s homes in Urunga, NSW, and Eagleby, Queensland, where they seized 13.6 kg of mercury metal and other suspicious items. The NSW man faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to traffic weapons, unlawful supply of weapons, and possession of a controlled substance. The Queensland man has been charged with possession of explosives, which carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment.
Both men are scheduled to appear in Brisbane’s Magistrates Court on October 17, 2025. In a statement, AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt warned, “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.” He emphasized the commitment of the Australian Federal Police to disrupt criminal syndicates and protect communities by removing illegal firearms.
As this case unfolds, it highlights the pressing need for international cooperation in combating arms trafficking and addressing the threats posed by paramilitary groups. With regional security at stake, the actions of these individuals could have far-reaching implications for both Australia and Indonesia. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
