Sydney Resident Accused of Impersonating Federal Officer Following Seizure of Replica Firearms

A man from Sydney’s eastern suburbs has been charged after allegedly posing as an Australian Federal Police (AFP) officer and possessing several illegal replica firearms.

The incident came to light following an AFP investigation that commenced on September 23, when a member of the public brought an AFP badge and identification to the Bondi Police Station.

The badge and identification were confiscated for further inquiry after authorities reportedly discovered a small amount of cocaine concealed behind the ID card.

The investigation led officers to a 50-year-old resident of Double Bay.

Police executed a search warrant at his residence yesterday, uncovering hats and t-shirts bearing AFP logos, four replica firearms, 11 gel blasters, and allegedly counterfeit badges and IDs from various law enforcement agencies.

Large amounts of steroids and 14g of cocaine were also allegedly found and seized.

“Falsely representing yourself as any kind of law enforcement or Commonwealth official poses a genuine danger to public safety,” AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said.

“This type of behaviour is extremely concerning, and if anyone has information about the fraudulent use of police identification, please contact your local police station. We thank the member of the public who handed in the badge and identification.”

The man was arrested and charged with possessing prohibited firearms, supplying an indictable amount of a prohibited drug and impersonating a Commonwealth public official.

He faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and is set to face Parramatta court today.