New South Wales (NSW) Police have arrested 14 individuals and charged them with 65 offences following investigations into a series of anti-Semitic incidents in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The arrests are part of an ongoing operation under Strike Force Pearl, which began in December 2024 and aims to disrupt criminal groups involved in hate-driven crimes targeting the Jewish community.
On March 10, Strike Force detectives executed 11 simultaneous search warrants and three firearm prohibition orders across five premises in Sydney.
Details of Arrests and Charges
Among those arrested was a 31-year-old man, charged with directing a criminal group, malicious damage, arson, and break and enter.Police allege he was involved in preparing and staging vehicles for criminal activities. He appeared at Newtown Local Court and was denied bail. He is scheduled to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on April 3.
Two men, aged 18 and 20, were arrested on the Central Coast. The 18-year-old, from San Remo, was also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, while both men were charged with participating in a criminal group.
Police allege they supplied vehicles used in a $3.4 million arson attack on a Maroubra childcare centre on Jan. 21.
A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged with property damage, larceny, driving while disqualified, contravening an ADVO (Apprehended Domestic Violence Order), and an outstanding traffic warrant. Police allege he spray-painted graffiti on vehicles and properties in Randwick and Kingsford on Feb. 2.
Ongoing Investigations and More Arrests
In Penshurst, a 40-year-old man was arrested alongside a 30-year-old man.The older man has been charged with multiple offences, including driving while disqualified, vehicle theft, participating in a criminal group, failing to comply with a digital evidence access order, providing false information, and resisting police.
Police allege he spray-painted properties in Maroubra, Eastgardens, and Eastlakes.
The younger man was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and drug offences after police seized an electronic stun device and steroids during the raid.
Another 26-year-old man was arrested at Wentworth Point and charged with drug possession, dealing with proceeds of crime, and failing to comply with a digital evidence access order.
Police allege two mobile phones and cash were seized during a search of his property.
In Riverstone, police arrested two men, aged 23 and 37. Police allege the younger one spray-painted graffiti on vehicles and properties on Henry Street, Queens Park, on Jan. 11.
The older man is accused of helping plan the arson at the Maroubra childcare centre and possessing an unregistered firearm.
A 34-year-old and a 41-year-old man were arrested in connection with arson and property damage charges.
Women Among Those Arrested
Two women were also arrested during the operation. A 26-year-old woman was taken into custody in Sutherland, charged with participating in a criminal group, supplying a prohibited drug, and multiple drug possession offences.Police allege methylamphetamine and prescription medications were seized from a vehicle in Sutherland and a search of a Campbelltown property.
Another 27-year-old woman was arrested at an Eastlakes unit for similar charges. Police allege cannabis, methylamphetamine, prescription medication, and an electronic stun device were seized from the property.
The arrest announcement follows a recent revelation by Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett saying the explosives-laden caravan found in January at Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, was a “fake terrorism plot” linked to organised crime.
Barrett described the find as “an elaborate scheme contrived by criminals.” She clarified that the caravan was never intended to cause a mass casualty event, but rather, was meant to instil fear for personal gain.
Barrett said local criminals had been hired to carry out the scheme under the direction of a mastermind keeping his distance.
