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https://www.smh.com.au/national/seni...22-p5cudj.html
A senior Australian neo-Nazi linked to an international terror group has gone to fight in Ukraine amid efforts by security services to stop domestic extremists gaining overseas military training.
Daniel Newman, a violent criminal with deep links to neo-Nazi leaders in NSW and Victoria and overseas terror outfit Combat 18, flew to Asia this month before then travelling to Ukraine, after telling associates he intended to take up arms with anti-Russian fighters.
A source aware of his movements, who was granted anonymity to discuss private information, said Newman had initially flown to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, before travelling to Europe some time in the last month.
The Department of Home Affairs and ASIO have engaged in extensive efforts to stop Australian white supremacists travelling to Ukraine to fight, with authorities launching a dedicated operation, codenamed Project Backencourt, to block neo-Nazis from leaving Australia to gain military training.
The source said it was the second time Newman had attempted to travel to Ukraine from Australia in the past year.
Asked whether the government was aware Newman had travelled to Ukraine, a spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said: “The government does not comment on matters of national security.”
NSW neo-Nazi leader Des Liddington last year wrote in an online forum under the name David Liddington: “Just heard my mate here Danny has gone to fight in Ukraine. Don’t die brother. Respect.”
Newman is a member of violent UK-founded extremist group Combat 18. The group has members across Europe and has been charged with murders and serious acts of political violence. In 2019, the group was designated a terror organisation in Canada.
Another neo-Nazi extremist, former Australian Army soldier Conor Sretenovic, has been banned by ASIO from flying to Europe because of security agency concerns he also wishes to fight in Ukraine.
Sretenovic has been unable to leave Australia since former foreign minister Marise Payne cancelled his passport in 2020.
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