Australia's most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, was arrested on Tuesday (Apr 7) and charged with five counts of war crime murders related to the killings of unarmed civilians in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. The 47-year-old former Australian Defence Force (ADF) member, widely identified in media reports as Roberts-Smith, was detained at Sydney Airport by Australian Federal Police (AFP). Each charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Roberts-Smith, a recipient of the Victoria Cross and Medal of Gallantry, served six tours in Afghanistan. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that the alleged victims were not participating in hostilities at the time of their deaths and were detained, unarmed, and under ADF control when killed. The charges allege that Roberts-Smith either shot the victims himself or ordered subordinates to do so in his presence.
Roberts-Smith has consistently denied the allegations, which were first reported by Nine Entertainment newspapers in 2018. He unsuccessfully sued the publications for defamation, with a Federal Court judge ruling in 2023 that four of six murder accusations were substantiated. The High Court dismissed his final appeal in September 2025.
The Australian War Memorial has announced it will review its display commemorating Roberts-Smith following the charges. The memorial previously altered its exhibit after his defamation case loss but noted he had not been criminally charged at the time. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment on the arrest.
Roberts-Smith is the second Australian veteran of the Afghanistan campaign to be charged with war crimes. Former SAS soldier Oliver Schulz, 44, has pleaded not guilty to a similar charge. The Office of the Special Investigator confirmed that investigations into other potential cases are ongoing.