SYDNEY – A supposed terrorist plot involving explosives hidden in a caravan to target Jewish communities in Australia has been revealed as a hoax orchestrated by criminals, police confirmed Monday.
Discovered in January in a semi-rural suburb of Sydney, the caravan contained “Powergel” mining explosives alongside written notes referencing Jewish entities. Initially feared to be part of a terrorism event, investigators have now determined it was a staged scheme designed to incite fear for personal gain.
“Today, I can reveal that 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,” Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated.
Authorities suspected foul play early on due to the caravan’s easy discovery and the absence of a detonator. Despite this, they pursued terrorism-related leads out of caution before confirming their suspicions.
The hoax was reportedly orchestrated by organized crime figures, both in Australia and abroad, who allegedly hired local criminals to plant the caravan and alert law enforcement to a false terror threat. Officials believe the motive was an attempt to influence legal proceedings, though specific details remain undisclosed.
New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson noted that it is “not uncommon” for criminals to seek leniency by offering information to authorities. Investigations into those responsible are ongoing.