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Sydney Man Charged Over Death Threat Emails to Communications Minister Anika Wells

AFP investigators say online anonymity will not shield those who threaten elected officials.

Overview

  • Police allege 31-year-old Steven Ly sent two emails in late November threatening to kill Anika Wells and members of her family.
  • Ly was arrested at his Bankstown home during a search that seized electronic devices, then charged with using a carriage service to threaten to kill, an offence carrying up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
  • A magistrate granted bail with conditions including surrendering his passport, regular reporting to police, and a ban on contacting or approaching the minister, with a court return set for December 23.
  • The emails were referred to the AFP on November 27, before public scrutiny of Wells’ travel expenses, which she has submitted to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority for review.
  • The AFP’s National Security Investigations team is leading the case, and Detective Superintendent Jeremy Staunton said threats to politicians and their families are treated with the utmost seriousness.