The Digester
crime

Ben Roberts-Smith arrested in Sydney over alleged Afghan war crimes

Australia’s most decorated living soldier was arrested at Sydney airport as he faces court over allegations he murdered unarmed civilians while serving in the SAS in Afghanistan, after a civil judge found he likely committed four murders.

Apr 7th 2026 · Australia

Insights

  • Roberts-Smith was arrested at Sydney airport and was due to appear in court on Tuesday.
  • He is a Victoria Cross recipient who was once celebrated as Australia’s most decorated Afghanistan veteran.
  • A judge in a defamation trial found on the balance of probabilities that he committed four murders while serving in Afghanistan.
  • He lost appeals to the full bench and the High Court refused to hear a further appeal, and the prime minister declined to comment because the matter is before the courts.

Sources