The Impressive TimesSydney, Mar 10,2025: An alleged plan to attack a Sydney synagogue using an explosive-laden caravan was a fabrication by an organized crime network aimed at diverting law enforcement resources, Australian police revealed on Monday.
Authorities initially discovered explosives inside a caravan in January, along with the address of a Sydney synagogue. The device had the potential to generate a 40-meter blast wave, raising serious security concerns.
However, police have now determined that the discovery was a staged attempt to manipulate law enforcement. Investigators pointed out that the ease with which the caravan was found, combined with the absence of a detonator, indicated there was never a real intention to target Jewish sites.
“The caravan was never meant to cause mass casualties. Instead, it was a calculated scheme by criminals seeking to instill fear for their own gain,” said Krissy Barrett, Deputy Commissioner for National Security at the Australian Federal Police, during a press briefing.
“From the outset, experienced investigators suspected the caravan was part of a fabricated terrorism scheme—a criminal deception aimed at creating panic,” she added.
While no arrests have been made in connection with the staged plot, authorities decided to go public to reassure Sydney’s Jewish community. New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson emphasized that the scheme was intended to create chaos, incite fear, and distract police from other criminal activities.
“This was about disrupting the community, creating anxiety, and diverting police efforts away from crucial investigations, enabling criminals to pursue other illicit activities,” Hudson explained.
Authorities have identified a suspect linked to an organized crime group and are actively pursuing leads. Australia has recently experienced a rise in antisemitic incidents, including vandalism and arson attacks on homes, schools, synagogues, and vehicles—drawing strong condemnation from Israel, a key ally.
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