Sydney woman charged as antisemitic graffiti probe expands under Strike Force Pearl
A 27-year-old woman was arrested and charged yesterday in connection with a string of antisemitic graffiti attacks that have shaken communities across Sydney’s eastern and southern suburbs as police expand their investigation under Strike Force Pearl.
On Tuesday morning, detectives arrested the woman at a residence on Maloney Street, Eastlakes, as part of an ongoing investigation into coordinated acts of malicious vandalism targeting Jewish communities and public property. She was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with several offences, including destruction of property linked to criminal group activity and unlicensed driving, among others.
Antisemitic graffiti (Randwick Council Facebook page)
The arrest follows a series of hate-driven incidents reported on January 30, where antisemitic messages were found spray-painted across multiple locations including Mount Sinai school on Runic Lane in Maroubra, a home on Hannan Street, and a shopping centre on Bunnerong Road in Eastgardens. Another report came from Sparks Street in Eastlakes on the same day, prompting a wider investigation.
The coordinated nature of the vandalism prompted NSW Police to form Strike Force Pearl, which has since led to the charging of three other individuals connected to the case. All four now face serious legal proceedings.
Police allege the incidents are part of a broader effort by a group engaged in racially motivated criminal activity. Investigators also uncovered that the woman was driving without a licence and in possession of illegal substances at the time of her arrest.
Superintendent James Caldwell from the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command condemned the acts, calling them “deeply offensive and harmful,” and reiterated the force’s commitment to rooting out hate crimes. “This kind of behaviour has no place in our community,” he said. “We are working tirelessly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
The woman was denied bail and appeared before the Downing Centre Local Court yesterday.
The escalation comes amid a broader national conversation about rising antisemitism in Australia. Jewish advocacy groups have called for stronger protections and education in the wake of repeated incidents. According to recent reports by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, antisemitic incidents rose significantly in 2024, mirroring a global uptick tied to rising extremism.
This week’s arrest follows an earlier breakthrough in the case on March 20, when Strike Force Pearl detectives apprehended a 41-year-old man on Maloney Street, Eastlakes. He was charged in connection with the same series of antisemitic graffiti incidents reported on January 30 across Maroubra, Eastgardens, and Eastlakes.
At the time, police revealed that Strike Force Pearl had already arrested 30 individuals and laid over 150 charges in what appears to be a broader effort targeting antisemitic and organised criminal activity.
Investigations under Strike Force Pearl remain ongoing, with police urging anyone with information or CCTV footage related to the graffiti attacks to come forward.
