Meet the spiritual leader of Sydney’s pro-ISIS network

Today, ABC investigative reporter Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop about Australia’s ISIS supporters, the spiritual leader who has flown under the radar for years – and the informant who risked his life to blow the whistle.

Aug 06, 2025, updated Aug 06, 2025

At the height of the Islamic State’s power in Syria, hundreds of Australians are thought to have joined their ranks.

But as security agencies cracked down on people leaving the country, Australian ISIS supporters turned their focus here. What followed was a string of attacks and foiled plots.

Now, as ISIS once again gains a foothold in Syria, attacks are expected to rise in Australia.

Today, we speak to investigative reporter for the ABC Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop about Australia’s ISIS supporters, the spiritual leader who has flown under the radar for years – and the informant who risked his life to blow the whistle.

This is part one of a two-part series.

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Guest: Investigative reporter for the ABC Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop

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