The Australian Federal Police determined that a caravan found with explosives in Sydney was a hoax created by criminals to distract authorities and incite fear within the Jewish community.
Australian Police Confirm Caravan Terror Plot Was Fabricated Hoax
Australian Police Confirm Caravan Terror Plot Was Fabricated Hoax
Investigation reveals caravan loaded with explosives was part of a criminal scheme rather than a genuine terrorism threat.
The article text:
Australian police have classified a caravan discovered earlier this year, packed with explosives, as part of a "fabricated terrorism plot" orchestrated by criminals, rather than a legitimate threat. The caravan, which was found on January 19 in northwestern Sydney, contained enough explosives to potentially create extensive damage, alongside antisemitic messages and a list of Jewish synagogues. Its unearthing caused alarm amid a series of antisemitic attacks in Australia.
On Monday, Australian Federal Police (AFP) disclosed that they suspected "almost immediately" that the situation was not as serious as initially thought. Krissy Barrett, deputy commissioner of national security at the AFP, mentioned that the New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team quickly concluded the caravan was part of a scam. Their belief was informed by the information they possessed prior to the discovery and the ease of locating the caravan, compounded by the open display of the explosives, notably lacking a detonator.
Law enforcement opted against informing the public about their suspicions initially, exercising caution while they continued to investigate other potential threats based on incoming tips, which they now believe were also fabricated. The ruse involved multiple individuals who planned to acquire a caravan, fill it with explosives and antisemitic literature, and strategically place it to falsely report an imminent terror threat against Jewish Australians.
Barrett described the incident as "an elaborate scheme contrived by organised criminals," indicating that the mastermind operated from a distance, employing local offenders to execute specific tasks. Authorities confirmed that this individual has yet to be apprehended. Barrett emphasized that criminals often exploit antisemitic narratives or terrorism plots to misdirect law enforcement efforts or to negotiate better treatment for themselves in criminal matters.
There are indications of more nefarious undertakings related to the case, with Barrett highlighting another individual who allegedly attempted to acquire high-powered firearms for a fake terror scheme as a means to provide information that could reduce his sentence.
The impact of the fabricated plot has been profound, instilling fear and concern within the Jewish community, according to Barrett, who condemned the actions of the criminals. She stated, "What organised crime has done to the Jewish community is reprehensible, and it won't go without consequence," stressing further that it has also unjustly cast suspicion on other communities.
In an unrelated operation, New South Wales police arrested 14 individuals as part of Strike Force Pearl, aimed at tackling antisemitic hate crimes following a surge of such incidents in late 2024, including vandalism and arson targeting Jewish properties in Sydney.
Australian police have classified a caravan discovered earlier this year, packed with explosives, as part of a "fabricated terrorism plot" orchestrated by criminals, rather than a legitimate threat. The caravan, which was found on January 19 in northwestern Sydney, contained enough explosives to potentially create extensive damage, alongside antisemitic messages and a list of Jewish synagogues. Its unearthing caused alarm amid a series of antisemitic attacks in Australia.
On Monday, Australian Federal Police (AFP) disclosed that they suspected "almost immediately" that the situation was not as serious as initially thought. Krissy Barrett, deputy commissioner of national security at the AFP, mentioned that the New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team quickly concluded the caravan was part of a scam. Their belief was informed by the information they possessed prior to the discovery and the ease of locating the caravan, compounded by the open display of the explosives, notably lacking a detonator.
Law enforcement opted against informing the public about their suspicions initially, exercising caution while they continued to investigate other potential threats based on incoming tips, which they now believe were also fabricated. The ruse involved multiple individuals who planned to acquire a caravan, fill it with explosives and antisemitic literature, and strategically place it to falsely report an imminent terror threat against Jewish Australians.
Barrett described the incident as "an elaborate scheme contrived by organised criminals," indicating that the mastermind operated from a distance, employing local offenders to execute specific tasks. Authorities confirmed that this individual has yet to be apprehended. Barrett emphasized that criminals often exploit antisemitic narratives or terrorism plots to misdirect law enforcement efforts or to negotiate better treatment for themselves in criminal matters.
There are indications of more nefarious undertakings related to the case, with Barrett highlighting another individual who allegedly attempted to acquire high-powered firearms for a fake terror scheme as a means to provide information that could reduce his sentence.
The impact of the fabricated plot has been profound, instilling fear and concern within the Jewish community, according to Barrett, who condemned the actions of the criminals. She stated, "What organised crime has done to the Jewish community is reprehensible, and it won't go without consequence," stressing further that it has also unjustly cast suspicion on other communities.
In an unrelated operation, New South Wales police arrested 14 individuals as part of Strike Force Pearl, aimed at tackling antisemitic hate crimes following a surge of such incidents in late 2024, including vandalism and arson targeting Jewish properties in Sydney.
