A Woodburn man has been charged after the Australian Federal Police allegedly linked him to offensive emails sent to a witness involved in the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

Gavin George Begbie, 59, appeared before the NSW Bail Division Court today after AFP investigators executed a search warrant at his Woodburn property.

The AFP alleges Begbie sent a series of offensive emails to a witness appearing before the royal commission, prompting an investigation by its National Security Investigations team.

Police said investigators received a report in May about three allegedly offensive emails sent to a witness involved in the inquiry.

On Thursday, AFP officers executed a search warrant at the Woodburn property where they seized electronic devices and two prohibited weapons.

Police also seized what they allege is right-wing literature, pamphlets and documents containing instructions on making explosives, which will be examined as part of ongoing inquiries.

The most serious charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

Begbie was charged with four counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, one count of intimidating a witness, two counts of possessing a prohibited weapon in contravention of a weapons prohibition order, and one count of contravening a requirement under section 3LA of the Crimes Act 1914.

The prohibited weapons offences and the section 3LA offence each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Peter Crozier said attempts to threaten or intimidate witnesses would not be tolerated.

“The Royal Commission was established in response to acts of hatred and intolerance directed at members of our community,” Assistant Commissioner Crozier said.

“Any continued intimidation or incitement of violence against individuals who are providing evidence to this inquiry is wholly intolerable.

“Using violence, threats or intimidation towards a witness in any proceeding, including before a royal commission, undermines important processes.

“People who believe they can threaten or harass people appearing before royal commissions, or before any sector of the judicial system need to be aware the AFP has the resources and technology to find you and bring you before the courts.”

The charges follow the establishment of dedicated AFP National Security Investigations teams in late 2025, aimed at targeting individuals and groups accused of causing significant harm to Australia’s social cohesion.

Above: a warrant for Begbie’s arrest was issued by local police in October last year.

Main image: AFP image of the raid on Begbie’s Woodburn home. Insert: Hitler’s manifesto was one of the items allegedly seized.