Australia’s most highly decorated living soldier has been formally charged with five counts of war crime murder, marking a significant development in the country’s efforts to address alleged misconduct during the Afghanistan conflict.

Ben Roberts-Smith, a former Special Air Service Regiment corporal and recipient of the Victoria Cross, was arrested at Sydney Airport and taken into custody ahead of a court appearance.

Authorities allege that the incidents occurred during his deployments in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, involving the killing of unarmed Afghan civilians and detainees.

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The charges, brought following a lengthy and complex investigation, relate to multiple incidents across different locations, including operations in 2009 and 2012. Prosecutors assert that the accused either directly carried out the killings or was complicit in actions carried out by subordinate personnel under his command.

If proven in court, each count carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment.

Roberts-Smith rose to national prominence after being awarded the Victoria Cross for acts of gallantry in Afghanistan, becoming one of the most recognised figures in Australia’s modern military history.

His reputation and public standing remained strong for years following his service, with honours and public recognition reflecting his battlefield achievements.

However, allegations surrounding his conduct emerged in later years, triggering extensive legal and investigative scrutiny.

A separate civil case previously examined similar claims under a lower standard of proof, but the current criminal proceedings require evidence to meet the threshold of proof beyond reasonable doubt.

The investigation has been described as highly challenging due to the passage of time, the remote nature of the alleged incidents, and the absence of conventional forensic evidence such as crime scenes or post-mortem examinations.

Much of the case is expected to rely on witness testimony and operational records.

Officials have emphasised that the proceedings are part of a broader effort to uphold accountability and reinforce the professional standards of the Australian Defence Force.

The case also follows earlier findings from a landmark inquiry that identified unlawful killings during the Afghanistan campaign, prompting the establishment of dedicated investigative bodies.

Roberts-Smith has consistently denied wrongdoing.

He is expected to seek bail as the judicial process begins, with the case likely to become one of the most closely watched military prosecutions in Australia’s history.