A former Kings Cross bouncer and part-time actor has been identified as the most senior Australian member of the terrorist group Islamic State.

The group has been recruiting young Australians to fight in Iraq and Syria.

Authorities believe Mohammad Ali Baryalei, 33, has recruited at least half of the 60 Australians currently fighting with ISIL and has a trusted position in the operational command of the al-Qaeda-linked group, according to an investigation by the ABC.

The ABC's 7.30 reported on Monday night that Mr Baryalei was from an aristocratic Afghan family who came to Australia as refugees when he was a child.