**Australian Police Declares Explosive-laden Caravan Hoax, Calls it Criminal Con Scheme**

Authorities uncover an elaborate scheme that has targeted the Jewish community, prompting renewed calls for action against hate crimes.

In a startling revelation, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have confirmed that a caravan discovered in northwestern Sydney on January 19, which was believed to contain explosives intended for a terrorist attack, was part of a fabricated plot orchestrated by criminals. The caravan, packed with enough explosives to create a massive 40-meter blast radius and accompanied by antisemitic messages, instigated significant alarm following a series of antisemitic incidents across Australia.

AFP's deputy commissioner of national security, Krissy Barrett, stated that investigators suspected the caravan was a hoax "almost immediately" upon its discovery. Their suspicions stemmed from pre-existing intelligence, the ease in locating the vehicle, and the clear visibility of its explosive contents, notably the absence of a detonator. However, authorities opted not to disclose their findings to the public initially, citing a cautionary approach while they received several tip-offs regarding potential related terror threats, which Barrett now believes were also bogus.

The dubious caravan plot involved multiple individuals, all with varying degrees of involvement. Collectively, they devised a scheme to acquire a caravan, fill it with explosives and antisemitic propaganda, and leave it in a predetermined location while falsely alerting law enforcement to an "imminent threat against Jewish Australians." Barrett described this situation as an "elaborate scheme contrived by organised criminals, both local and international," emphasizing that the alleged leader distanced themselves, hiring local criminals to execute parts of the plan.

Despite the evidence linking the scheme to a larger criminal enterprise, police have yet to make any arrests connected to the suspected ringleader. Barrett noted that this kind of manipulation is not uncommon, with criminals attempting to divert attention through orchestrating fake terror plots. She underscored a troubling pattern where perpetrators exploit tensions with the intent to ameliorate their standing with law enforcement.

BBC News has reached out to the AFP for further information regarding the motives behind this hoax but has not received any additional statements. Barrett condemned the impact of this deceit on the Jewish community, asserting, "What organised crime has done to the Jewish community is reprehensible, and it won't go without consequence." She also highlighted the unjust suspicion cast on various communities as a result of such criminal acts.

In a separate initiative, New South Wales police have launched a significant operation, Strike Force Pearl, which led to the arrest of 14 individuals on Monday and aims to combat rising antisemitism in Sydney. This comes in response to a spate of antisemitic hate crimes experienced across the region in late 2024, including incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and the arson of a childcare center marked with antisemitic rhetoric.