Sydney court cases expose organised campaign of antisemitic activity

A sprawling hoax campaign that terrorised Sydney’s Jewish community has reached the courts, with four key suspects facing charges linked to a coordinated series of antisemitic attacks, culminating in the discovery of a caravan loaded with explosives in the suburb of Dural.

Authorities have since revealed that the plot, once feared to be a credible terror threat, was, in fact, a calculated ruse tied to organised crime. The alleged ringleader, Sayet Erhan Akca was also found to have had a history of antisemitic online activity.

Among the accused are Tammie Farrugia, 34, and her partner Scott Marshall, 36, who appeared at the Downing Centre Local Court over their alleged role in a December 11 vandalism spree in Woollahra. In that attack, a car was set on fire on Magney Street and nearby homes were defaced with antisemitic slogans such as “Kill Israiel” (sic), causing an estimated $20,000 in damage. Their matters have been adjourned, with Farrugia due back in court on May 1.

Farrugia and Marshall were also named in a search warrant following the discovery of a caravan found abandoned in Dural containing mining explosives and a list of Jewish community landmarks, including the Sydney Jewish Museum and the Great Synagogue. Although no charges have been laid in connection with the caravan, police say the incident was designed to mislead law enforcement as part of broader negotiations linked to organised criminal networks.

Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett later clarified that the caravan was not part of a genuine terror threat, calling the scheme a “criminal con job” orchestrated to sow fear and manipulate police priorities.

Another man, Nicholas Alexander, is facing ten serious charges and is alleged to have been a central figure in the January phase of the conspiracy. Police say he helped coordinate five attacks, including the $3 million arson of a childcare centre in Maroubra, the attempted arson of Newtown Synagogue, and an attack on the former home of Jewish community leader Alex Ryvchin. His case, involving “a fair amount of forensics,” has been adjourned until April 30.

Also mentioned in court were Adam Moule, 33, and Leon Sofilas, 37, accused of attempting to firebomb Newtown Synagogue. Both are due back in court on May 1.

These court appearances come after a major police crackdown in March, which saw NSW Police’s antisemitism taskforce conduct coordinated raids, arresting 14 individuals and laying 65 new charges. To date, 29 people have been charged with 143 offences related to the alleged conspiracy.

As the courts untangle the organised campaign, a separate and deeply personal case of antisemitic abuse has reignited concern over rising extremism in public spaces. A 24-year-old man has been charged today (3 April) after allegedly directing antisemitic comments at a hospital staff member in a lift at a Sydney hospital earlier this year, as the number of antisemitic incidents in Australia continues to grow.

Police say the incident occurred around 4:00pm on Friday, February 28 at a hospital in Kogarah, where the accused reportedly made antisemitic remarks to a 28-year-old staff member. After receiving the report, officers from St George Police Area Command launched an investigation

The man was arrested at his Arncliffe home early today (April 3) and was taken to St George Police Station. He has since been charged with stalk/intimidate with intent to cause fear of physical harm, as well as use carriage service – possess violent extremist material. He was denied bail and appeared in Sutherland Local Court later today.

Michele Goldman, CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, responded to the arrest, stating:

“This is welcome news, and we thank the police for their work in tracking down the alleged offender. Nobody should be subject to this kind of abuse in their workplace. It must be met with consequences. I met with the Health Minister today and he was very clear that he expects all our health facilities to be free of this kind of hatred.”

During the arrest, police executed a search warrant at the Arncliffe premises and seized two mobile phones. Authorities say the devices will undergo forensic examination to determine whether additional charges are warranted.

This case has raised concerns in both the medical and wider communities about the safety of healthcare staff and the spread of extremist ideologies following a high profile case with two Sydney nurses claiming to have killed Israeli patients. NSW Health has not commented directly on the case but reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive workplace for all staff.

The investigation remains ongoing.