Days after the deadly terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Australian police have formally charged gunman Naveed Akram with terrorism-related offences. On Wednesday, December 17, police said Naveed has been charged with terrorism, 15 counts of murder, and several other serious crimes linked to the attack. The incident claimed the lives of 16 people, including one of the attackers, and left around 40 others injured.

The attack took place during a Jewish Hanukkah festival event at Bondi Beach and is being investigated as a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community. Authorities said the assault was allegedly inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS). Two gunmen, Naveed Akram and Sajid Akram, were involved in the shooting. Naveed was arrested at the scene, while Sajid was killed during the attack.

The New South Wales Police said they will argue in court that the accused carried out the attack to advance a religious extremist cause and to create fear in the community. In a statement, police said early evidence suggests the incident was a terror attack inspired by ISIS, which is a banned terrorist organisation in Australia.

Earlier reports by ABC News revealed that Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, had investigated Naveed Akram nearly six years ago due to his alleged links with a Sydney-based Islamic State cell. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Islamic State-linked networks are known to operate in countries like the Philippines, which is now part of the investigation.

Police also said that ISIS flags were recovered from the attackers’ car, strengthening suspicions of extremist links. Investigators further revealed that both Naveed and Sajid had travelled to the Philippines before carrying out the attack.

It has also emerged that Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad, India, and migrated to Australia in November 1998. In a statement, Telangana Police said Sajid’s family in Hyderabad had no knowledge of his radical beliefs. They also clarified that he had visited India only six times in the past 27 years after moving abroad.

Indian authorities have assured that they are fully cooperating with Australian police and intelligence agencies in the investigation. Officials stressed that they are sharing all necessary information to help uncover the full network behind the attack.

The incident has shocked Australia and drawn global attention, raising serious concerns about terrorism, radicalisation, and public safety. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the attackers’ connections and motives.