NSW Police and Australian Federal Police (AFP) have made 14 additional arrests linked to an explosives-laden caravan discovered in Dural, Sydney. Authorities have charged the suspects with 49 offences following multiple raids across the city.
Investigators from Strike Force Pearl carried out the raids after uncovering new evidence related to the January incident. The AFP confirmed the plot was not an actual terror threat but a fabricated scheme orchestrated by criminals.
Explosive-Laden Caravan Discovered in January
On January 19, police located a caravan filled with explosives in the semi-rural suburb of Dural. Investigators later found documents listing synagogues, raising concerns about a potential anti-Semitic attack.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb addressing the media over the discovery of a caravan in Dural, which had been parked on the side of the road for six weeks.
“The owner is out of play and in custody,” she said pic.twitter.com/A0EEeAuHYV
— Clown Down Under 🤡 (@clowndownunder) January 30, 2025
Authorities initially warned that the explosives could have caused a 40-metre blast radius. However, forensic examinations and intelligence reports led counter-terrorism teams to suspect the plot was staged.
AFP Labels Incident a “Fabricated Terrorist Plot”
Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner National Security Krissy Barrett addressed the media on Monday.
“Almost immediately, experienced investigators within the joint counter-terrorism team believed that the caravan was part of a fabricated terrorist plot, essentially a criminal con job,” Barrett said.
“Today, I can reveal the caravan was never going to cause a mass casualty event but instead was concocted by criminals who wanted to cause fear for personal benefit,” she added.
Figure 1: The incident has been labelled as “Fabricated Terrorist Plot”
Barrett confirmed that organised crime groups were behind the scheme. Authorities suspect the criminals aimed to manipulate law enforcement and benefit from the increased security focus.
Click here to read the full statement.
Authorities Identify Key Figures Behind the Plot
Police believe a central figure orchestrated the scheme while maintaining a distance from direct involvement. According to investigators, this individual recruited local criminals to execute various parts of the plan.
“We believe the person pulling the strings wanted changes to their criminal status but maintained a distance from their scheme and hired alleged local criminals to carry out parts of their plan. However, the plan was foiled,” Barrett stated.
Authorities have not disclosed whether this person is in Australia, overseas, or incarcerated.
Criminals Attempted to Create Fear for Personal Gain
Investigators believe those involved intended to deceive authorities and create widespread panic. The fabricated tip-offs about an impending attack were designed to heighten fear within the Jewish community.
“This twisted, self-serving criminality has terrorised Jewish Australians,” Barrett said.
Authorities suspect some lower-level criminals accepted fake criminal jobs from individuals inside prison. The prisoners allegedly sought to reduce their sentences by later informing authorities about the staged terror plot.
Discovery and Investigation of the Caravan
A Sydney man unknowingly brought the caravan onto his property. He left it locked for weeks before cutting open the padlock and discovering the explosives and materials inside.
Authorities immediately launched a large-scale investigation. About 100 officers from state and federal police, along with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), worked on the case.
The investigation took place amid rising incidents of anti-Semitic graffiti and attacks across Sydney and Melbourne.
NSW Premier Condemns Anti-Semitic Incidents
NSW Premier Chris Minns addressed concerns about the rise in anti-Semitic incidents.
“It is deeply distressing this is happening in this state,” Minns said when the caravan was discovered.
“I never thought in Australia, in 2025, we would see this level of racism or anti-Semitism,” he added.
Minns reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackling hate crimes.
“Those who are going to commit hateful acts of violence, graffiti, malicious damage in our community will be met with the full force of the law,” he said.
Further Arrests Expected as Investigation Continues
Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests. The AFP continues to work with local and international law enforcement agencies to track down all individuals involved.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Investigators believe the criminal syndicate behind the fabricated plot has broader links to organised crime in Australia and abroad.
The 14 arrested individuals remain in custody, facing charges related to their roles in the scheme. Authorities have not disclosed their identities.
The investigation remains ongoing.
