logo
A Sydney caravan laden with explosives was a ‘fake terrorism plot'. Here's what we know

A Sydney caravan laden with explosives was a ‘fake terrorism plot'. Here's what we know

The Guardian10-03-2025

The discovery of a caravan packed with explosives earlier this year led to concerns about a possible terrorism attack, criticism of the police and media, and a fierce political debate about the federal government's response to antisemitism.
On Monday, Australian police said the caravan was part of 'fake terrorism plot' allegedly orchestrated by organised criminals for personal gain.
What do we know about who is behind it?
In January, a caravan containing explosives was discovered in Dural on the outskirts of Sydney. Inside the caravan were threats directed towards the Jewish community.
An investigation was launched by state and federal police, along with the domestic spy agency, given concerns the caravan could indicate a looming terrorist attack.
Ten days after the investigation was launched, the caravan's existence was first revealed by the Daily Telegraph, prompting criticism of police for not immediately disclosing its discovery. That criticism has been rejected by senior police, who have alleged media reporting undermined its investigations. The newspaper's crime editor said that criticism was 'unfair' and that it would 'never compromise an investigation'.
After the investigation became public, the Coalition accused the Albanese government of being too slow to request a briefing on the discovery. Senior Coalition figures accused the prime minister of being 'out of his depth' on national security and antisemitisim.
On Monday, the AFP said the caravan was 'never going to cause a mass casualty event' and was a 'fake terrorism plot'. It said there was no detonator inside the caravan.
The force's deputy commissioner Krissy Barrett said this was known by police at a very early stage of the investigation.
'Almost immediately, experienced investigators within the joint counter-terrorism team believed that the caravan was part of a fabricated terrorist plot, essentially a … con job,' Barrett said.
Police allege the 'con job' was fabricated by organised crime figures for personal benefit. It said these undisclosed figures were based in Australia and offshore.
Guardian Australia understands authorities believe there is one individual pulling the strings at the top of a chain of command, with a second layer below them of other individuals involved in organised crime, who are soliciting people to carry out acts.
The motivation is understood to be to distract police and divert their resources away from organised crime, as well as to create plots that incarcerated criminals can use to tip off law enforcement in order to reduce their sentences.
It is not clear why people further down the chain carried out acts on behalf of those orchestrating the plot.
The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, and his police minister, Yasmin Catley, said that despite the revelations the caravan plot was concocted, it had struck fear in the Jewish community.
The federal home affairs minister, Tony Burke, accused the Coalition opposition of politicising the government's response. In a post on X, he said the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, had 'played directly into the hands of organised crime figures who have been trying to profit from dividing our community'.
But the shadow home affairs minister, James Paterson, stood by the Coalition's criticisms that the prime minister should have been briefed on the caravan at an earlier stage.
'Organised crime concocting terrorism plots targeting the Jewish community is an extremely serious matter,' Paterson said.
David Ossip, the president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, said confirmation the caravan incident was a 'con job' should not in any way diminish the summer of fear and anxiety that the Jewish community experienced.
'The criminals who allegedly arranged and carried out these violent attacks sought to take advantage of already-strained social cohesion and unprecedented levels of antisemitism by targeting the Jewish community for their own personal benefit,' Ossip said. 'This is reprehensible and had a chilling effect on the Jewish community.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Netanyahu's government could collapse over Israel's ultra-Orthodox military draft law
Netanyahu's government could collapse over Israel's ultra-Orthodox military draft law

The Independent

time2 hours ago

  • The Independent

Netanyahu's government could collapse over Israel's ultra-Orthodox military draft law

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a vote to dissolve parliament Wednesday and key coalition partners have threatened to bring down his government. Still, few think it's the end of the road for Israel's longest-serving prime minister, who has been battling corruption charges for years, or his far-right government, still in power after presiding over the security failures surrounding the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack. The move to dissolve, called by the opposition, will only pass if Netanyahu's ultra-Orthodox coalition partners break with him over the failure to pass a law exempting their community from military service, an issue that has bitterly divided Israelis, especially during the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The threats coming from the ultra-Orthodox could be posturing, and many expect Netanyahu to pull off a last-minute deal. But Wednesday's vote is the most serious challenge to Netanyahu's government since the war began, and the coalition's collapse could have major implications for Israel and the ongoing war. Why the ultra-Orthodox reject military service Most Jewish men are required to serve nearly three years of military service followed by years of reserve duty. Jewish women serve two mandatory years. But the politically powerful ultra-Orthodox, who make up roughly 13% of Israeli society, have traditionally received exemptions if they are studying full-time in religious seminaries. The exemptions — and the government stipends many seminary students receive through age 26 — have infuriated the general public. After Hamas' 2023 attack, Israel activated 360,000 reservists, its largest mobilization since the 1973 Mideast war. Israel is engaged in the longest active war in the country's history, which has stretched its robust military to the breaking point. Many reserve soldiers have served multiple rounds of duty in Gaza totaling hundreds of days. Some reserve soldiers are rejecting new call-ups. The number of Israelis continuing to report for reserve duty has dropped so low that the military has taken to social media to try to recruit people to keep serving. The enlistment exemption for the ultra-Orthodox goes back to Israel's 1948 founding, when small numbers of gifted scholars were exempt from the draft in response to the decimation of Jewish scholarship during the Holocaust. But with a push from politically powerful religious parties, the numbers have swelled to tens of thousands today. Israel's Supreme Court said the exemptions were illegal in 2017, but repeated extensions and government delay tactics have prevented a replacement law from being passed. Among Israel's Jewish majority, mandatory military service is largely seen as a melting pot and rite of passage. That's exactly why some ultra-Orthodox don't want their children to serve. 'It mixes together people with very different backgrounds, very different ideas, some people with very immoral ideas,' said Rabbi Ephraim Luft, 66, from the ultra-Orthodox stronghold of Bnei Barak. Luft said the community's dedication to upholding Jewish commandments protects the country as much as military service. 'Over thousands of years, the Jewish people have stood very strongly against any kind of decrees to force them to give up their religion, they've given up their lives for this,' Luft said. 'People have to understand there's no difference between the Spanish Inquisition or the Israeli draft law.' Why ultra-Orthodox parties would want to bring down the government Two parties belonging to the Haredim, or 'God-fearing' in Hebrew, are essential to Netanyahu's coalition. Both would need to vote to dissolve the government to force new elections, including Shas, which has traditionally been more supportive of Netanyahu. On Monday, a Shas spokesperson told an ultra-Orthodox radio program the party plans to vote in favor of dissolution, unless there is a breakthrough in negotiations. The other party, Degel HaTorah, has been threatening to leave the government since last week. 'Basically, they don't really care about the war and the economic situation of the state and anything else but their communal interest. And the focus of this communal interest is getting the exemption from serving in the army," said Shuki Friedman, an expert on religion and state affairs and vice president of the Jewish People Policy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank. Friedman and other experts say the current system is unsustainable. With its high birthrate, the ultra-Orthodox are the fastest-growing segment of Israel's population, at about 4% annually. Each year, roughly 13,000 ultra-Orthodox men reach the conscription age of 18, but less than 10% enlist, according to parliament's State Control Committee, which held a hearing examining the issue. The shock of the Oct. 7 attack appeared to ignite some enthusiasm among the ultra-Orthodox to serve, but no large enlistment materialized. The army has repeatedly declined to comment on the ultra-Orthodox enlistment rate. What happens if parliament is dissolved If the dissolution vote passes, it still faces a series of bureaucratic steps, including additional votes, that the government would likely drag on for weeks or months, said Gayil Talshir, a political science professor at Hebrew University. 'It will be like a gun that's been put into position, but that doesn't mean the coalition is over,' she said. Elections in Israel are scheduled for the fall of 2026. Both Talshir and Friedman believe it's unlikely the dissolution vote will pass Wednesday. If one ultra-Orthodox party is absent, the vote will not pass and another cannot be brought for six months, Talshir said. However, there's also a 'valid possibility' the rabbis who advise the ultra-Orthodox parties will say they've waited long enough for a draft exemption law, because they are facing enormous pressure from their communities, Friedman said. On Tuesday, top Haredi rabbis issued a religious decree emphasizing their stand against military service, which complicates the Haredi politicians' ability to negotiate, Friedman added. The army has issued thousands of draft notices to the ultra-Orthodox community, and those who refuse to serve can face arrest. While only around a dozen have been arrested after being stopped for trying to leave the country or for traffic violations, the fear this has inspired is significant, he added. Impact on the war in Gaza and the hostage crisis Netanyahu frequently cites the ongoing war as a reason Israel needs to provide a united front against its enemies. While the ultra-Orthodox parties remain part of the coalition, they want the war to end as quickly as possible, Talshir said. 'The Haredim think once the war is over, the pressure will be off them and they will be able to get their (military) exemption law,' she said.

BBC axe Wimbledon pundit after being told to 'hang its head in shame'
BBC axe Wimbledon pundit after being told to 'hang its head in shame'

Wales Online

time3 hours ago

  • Wales Online

BBC axe Wimbledon pundit after being told to 'hang its head in shame'

BBC axe Wimbledon pundit after being told to 'hang its head in shame' Nick Kyrgios has been ruled out of Wimbledon due to injury and will not be part of the BBC's punditry team, with the Australian also snubbed by ESPN Controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios was a Wimbledon pundit for the BBC last year (Image: BBC ) Nick Kyrgios, the controversial Australian tennis star, has reportedly been dropped from the BBC's Wimbledon punditry team. Last year, Kyrgios brought his expertise to SW19 as a commentator after injury forced him out of competition. He had aspirations to actually participate at Wimbledon this year; however, it appears bad luck has intervened again with a reoccurrence of injury issues. Kyrgios, a finalist at Wimbledon three years prior, kicked off his 2025 season at the Brisbane International and took part in the Australian Open where he was defeated in the first round by Jacob Fearnley, also playing in the Miami Open. ‌ Since his last competitive match, speculation arose about a potential return to broadcasting. ‌ Nevertheless, reports from The Telegraph indicate that the BBC has decided not to include Kyrgios in their commentary team for the Wimbledon tournament, and he hasn't been picked up by ESPN either, despite having worked with them during the Australian Open. His engagement by the BBC last year was met with criticism, particularly as it came just over a year after he confessed to assaulting an ex-girlfriend. Caroline Nokes, who chaired the women and equalities committee at that time, reproached the corporation, stating they should 'hang its head in shame' for the decision to hire him, reports the Express. Article continues below In a statement, the BBC defended their choice, stating: "We are in no way condoning his cited previous actions or behaviours, on and off the court, and he is employed to share his views on tennis only." Kyrgios has recently offered his services to other prominent sports broadcasters. The legal matter he was entangled in has reached its conclusion, is a matter of public record, and he has openly discussed it. ‌ Following his guilty plea to assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Kyrgios expressed remorse: "I was not in good place when this happened and I reacted to a difficult situation in a way I deeply regret. "I know it wasn't OK and I'm sincerely sorry for the hurt I caused." In recent years, Kyrgios' career has been hindered by a string of injuries, forcing him to miss numerous major tournaments. Article continues below This month, he shared with his fans that a new setback would prevent him from participating in the grass season. He took to social media to explain: "I've hit a small setback in my recovery and unfortunately won't make it back for grass season this year.'I know how much you've all been looking forward to seeing me out there, and I'm genuinely sorry to disappoint. "This is just a bump in the road though, and I'm already working hard to get back stronger than ever."

'Prankster' storms stage at Katy Perry concert in Sydney
'Prankster' storms stage at Katy Perry concert in Sydney

NBC News

time3 hours ago

  • NBC News

'Prankster' storms stage at Katy Perry concert in Sydney

SYDNEY — Pop star Katy Perry was surprised at her concert in Sydney on Monday when an attendee briefly ran up to her on stage and grabbed her before being escorted away by security. Perry was midway through her show at the the 21,000-seat Qudos Bank Arena, the second of three sold-out dates in the Australian city on her 'Lifetimes Tour.' Video footage posted by a concertgoer and verified by NBC News showed a man run down the circular stage, throw an arm around Perry's shoulder and start bouncing and dancing wildly. Perry, who appeared surprised, quickly moved away as she continued singing her 2008 hit 'Hot N Cold.' 'There's never going to be another show like this, so just enjoy it, Sydney,' she said, as the fan appeared to struggle with security guards. 'What the hell is going on?' Perry said to the crowd, as the man was dragged off stage. A representative for Perry could not immediately be reached for comment. The incident highlights growing concerns about poor etiquette at concerts, with audience members throwing items at artists such as Harry Styles and Lady Gaga. Police in the state of New South Wales, which includes Sydney, told NBC News that a man had been arrested and charged with two offenses: entering enclosed land and obstructing a person in performance of work or duties. They said he had been detained by security after jumping on stage during a concert around 9:20 p.m. local time. The man has been granted conditional bail and is due to appear in court on June 23, the police said, declining to name him in the meantime. He has also been banned for six months from Sydney Olympic Park, where the arena is located. The man has been identified in Australian media as Johnson Wen, who describes himself as a 'prankster' on his TikTok account, where he goes by the username pyjamamann and has a little over 1,100 followers. 'I was like, 'Let me get on stage with you,' and then she freaked out because I think she realized I wasn't a performer,' Wen told Australia's 9 News about the incident, adding that he was 'about to do the extra Fortnite move, but security got there too quick.' Previous videos posted on Wen's account show him running on stage at a concert by The Weeknd in Melbourne last year, and onto the field at the FIFA Women's World Cup final in 2023. 'I'm planning to quit forever, because you get in way too much trouble for it,' he said. Wen did not immediately respond to a request for comment. By Tuesday, he had posted four different videos of him rushing the stage. "Katy Perry your songs are my Childhood Memmory since 2008," he wrote in a caption for one of the videos. Another caption read,"Me Hugging Katy Perry on Stage. I said to Her 'let me dance for you'"

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store