The secret life of the alleged new face of Islamic terror who is accused of trying to recruit Aussie martyrs

A newly-graduated university student has been arrested on terrorism martyrdom charges - but had dreams of one day becoming a high school teacher. Shantel Shandil, 24, was seized by cops at a home in Quakers Hill, in Sydney's north west, on Thursday following a four-month investigation by police.
Shandil had allegedly been sharing content on two social media accounts that intended to motivate or inspire people to commit violent acts, and glorified martyrdom and allegiance to known terrorist groups.
The Australian Federal Police launched a probe into the social media accounts in July after receiving a tip-off, with officers raiding Shandil's home later that month.
Police will allege a phone seized from the property contained 43 files of 'violent extremist material' which Shandil had posted online.
Shandil has been charged with using a carriage service for violent extremist material and possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed using a carriage service.
Daily Mail can reveal Shandil, who also uses the surname Hussain, only graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Islamic Studies in September.
She is also enrolled in a Master of Secondary Education and Teaching at the same university, which the Daily Mail understands she began earlier this year. 
During her time at CSU, Shandil frequently penned blog posts for a university forum, providing insights into her life as a student and offering study tips to fellow pupils.
In March this year, she revealed she chose to study Islamic studies because it allowed her to 'deepen' her faith in her religion as well as kickstart her 'long-term career goal in teaching'.  
'Growing up, I always felt a strong connection to my religion, but I wanted to gain a deeper, more structured understanding of Islam, its rich history, teachings, and how it influences our daily lives in the modern world,' one blog reads.
'Furthering my knowledge in these areas made me really excited to be able to gain not only a degree but also a teaching pathway through the studies.
'What really inspired me about this degree was the idea of using my knowledge to contribute to the community... This degree has given me the foundation to pursue a career where I can teach, mentor, and inspire others. 
'After two years studying this degree as I finish my studies, I will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact in both the academic and wider community.'
The following month, Shandil announced in another blog that she had begun studying her master's degree as she offered advice for others commencing a postgraduate degree. 
The student described the transition as an 'exciting step towards becoming an educator' for someone like her who 'has wanted to be in the teaching industry since I was young'.
Other blogs post subjects include her daily routine as a student, how to build your personal brand, the impact of social media, and how to start a creative project or side hustle. 
In August 2024, Shandil revealed that she had attracted more than 50,000 followers on TikTok by sharing content she had learned through her studies on Islam. 
'This experience for me was incredibly rewarding for many reasons, for example, I managed to target other Islamic students on TikTok who were from all over the world such as Medina, Turkey and Pakistan,' she said.
'Through my videos, I connected with other religious communities who wanted to learn about Islam and have also learned quite a lot from them about their religion.'
In January this year, she again spoke about the power of social media - cautioning students about the importance of managing accounts professionally as 'your digital footprint can impact job opportunities'.
'Today most recruiters actually conduct online searches to learn about the people who have applied before inviting them for an interview,' she wrote.
'If they come across (for example) a bunch of memes you share daily, it may be seen as questionable content and come across as unprofessional, which could influence their decision. 
'Even photos and language that might seem harmless to you could be seen as unprofessional. Employers look for people who reflect the company’s values... So consider whether your social media aligns with the impression you want to give.' 
Last year, Shandil also provided advice for those seeking to earn some extra income while studying. 
She said her knowledge came from her own experiences of launching her own business in 2021 selling abayas - loose-fitting robes worn by Muslim women.
Aside from her fashion side hustle, Shandil sought cash by offering tutoring services to Muslim youths seeking to learn more about Islam.
'I am offering personalised Zoom classes to teach 18-year -olds and under who seek to have a deeper understanding of Islamic knowledge,' she wrote in an Islam Facebook group in 2023. 
'Classes start from $10, weekly readings and tasks will be provided.'
Shandil is today spending her 24th birthday - October 17 - behind bars after being refused bail in Blacktown Local Court on Thursday.  
If found guilty, each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt has expressed concern that extremist groups are targeting young people online.
'The AFP will not allow Australia to become a hotbed for violent extremism and will not hesitate to lay charges,' Mr Nutt said.
'The AFP believes extremist groups – and their supporters – are targeting vulnerable and young individuals online as they are more susceptible to being influenced, in very similar ways to how child sex offenders attempt to groom children.
'We cannot emphasise enough the importance of parents, schools, health and social services, and technology companies playing a role in preventing access to, and the consumption of, violent extremist material online and to spot the early signs of radicalisation.'