07 Apr 2026 - 11:18
The Kabul Tribune (KT) - Australia’s most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been arrested and will face five war crimes charges over the alleged killing of unarmed people during his deployment in Afghanistan, Australian authorities said on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
The 47-year-old former Special Air Service Regiment member was arrested at Sydney Airport and is expected to appear before a court in New South Wales later the same day.
The Australian Federal Police said the charges relate to the alleged murder of five people between 2009 and 2012. Investigators allege the victims were unarmed, detained, and under the control of Australian soldiers at the time of their deaths. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Roberts-Smith, who received Australia’s highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The allegations were first reported in 2018 by newspapers owned by Nine Entertainment.
He previously lost a major defamation case in which a court found that several of the murder allegations published about him were proven on the balance of probabilities. His final appeal was dismissed in 2025.
Australia’s special forces have also faced broader scrutiny over alleged misconduct during the Afghanistan war. A 2020 inquiry found credible evidence that members of elite units may have unlawfully killed prisoners.
The case is being investigated by the Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator, which was established in 2021 to examine alleged war crimes by Australian forces.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, with dozens of cases still under review. Another former special forces soldier is expected to stand trial next year.
Authorities added that further charges may be filed if additional evidence emerges.
