Federal police have disclosed that the caravan discovered in north-western Sydney containing explosives was a fabricated scheme designed to create fear in the Jewish community without posing an actual threat of a large-scale disaster.
Police launched several raids this morning in relation to recent antisemitic attacks and arrested 14 people who were charged with 49 offences.
During the briefing on the arrests, it was revealed by the Australian Federal Police that the caravan loaded with explosives found in Dural in January was orchestrated by organized criminals with the intent to intimidate the Jewish community rather than execute a terrorist assault.
“Almost immediately (after the discovery of the caravan), expert investigators in the joint counter-terrorism team recognized that the caravan was linked to a concocted terrorist plan, essentially a deceitful endeavor orchestrated by criminals,” stated AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett.
While no one has been arrested or charged in direct relation to the Dural caravan, police said they believe they know who was behind the plot.
“This person who we allege is pulling the strings is known to organised crime, known in the organised crime environment… we have a number of ongoing targets, some are based in Australia, some based offshore,” Barrett said.
She added there was no evidence to suggest state actors were involved.
Hudson said no one arrested had displayed “any form of antisemitic ideology”.
“However, the threat to the community through the use of arson and the presence of explosives was very real,” he said.
“I understand the anxiety these incidents have had on the Jewish community who we have been in constant contact with.
“We don’t believe there is any ongoing threat to the community from a terrorist act.”
