Major investigation after explosives-packed caravan found in NSW

A suspected mass-casualty anti-Semitic terror plot has been foiled in Sydney, with police uncovering a vehicle loaded with explosives and linked to a potential synagogue attack.

Authorities have launched a major counterterrorism probe after discovering a vehicle filled with Powergel explosives, capable of creating a 40-metre blast radius, in a rural property in Dural, northwest Sydney.

More than 100 state and federal officers are investigating whether the vehicle was intended for use in an anti-Semitic attack, after a note was found inside detailing the address of a Sydney synagogue.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the discovery as "utterly appalling and shameful", urging the public to report any suspicious activity.

"There are some terrible people in our community," Minns said.

"I'm ashamed to say it, but that’s the truth — bad morals, bad ethics, bad people who will commit these acts."

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed the vehicle had been removed and its owner is already in custody on unrelated charges.

"It's important the public understands that not only has the caravan been removed, but also the owner is out of play and in custody," Webb said.

Authorities had withheld the discovery for 11 days, saying revealing details too early could have compromised their investigation.

After a leak to the media, police defended their decision, saying they were "leaving no stone unturned" in determining the full extent of the threat.

But despite police assurances there is no immediate threat to the public, three more anti-Semitic incidents were reported in Sydney overnight.

A Jewish school was targeted — where students, returning from holiday, were met not by teachers, but armed security guards on their first day back.

A children's centre, just blocks away, was also tagged last week before being firebombed.

"Australians will not stand for this kind of violent, hate-fuelled racist attack," Minns said.

"If this offends you, if this is the opposite of what it means to live in Australia in 2025... then report them. Dob them in!"

Sydney has seen a sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents since October last year, with at least 10 arrests linked to attacks. Police were also investigating whether those arrested were on the "periphery" of the latest discovery.

Jewish leaders say they remain on high alert as attacks continue.

"We just don’t know their motives... we just don’t know where exactly they’re coming from," said Peter Wertheim, CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.

Authorities are continuing their investigations into whether international actors are playing a role in radicalising individuals or funding attacks through cryptocurrency.

More on this topic

Alarm as anti-Semitic caravan plot foiled in NSW

A thwarted anti-Semitic terror plot involving a caravan full of explosives has renewed alarm in the Jewish community and sparked a major counter-terrorism investigation.

Crime and Justice

8:30am

Second arrest made over Sydney synagogue graffiti, fire attack

The synagogue was spray-painted with red swastikas and briefly set alight in the early hours of January 11 before the fire went out.

Crime and Justice

Thu, Jan 23

2:21

'Criminals for hire' tied to anti-Semitic attack spree in Aus

Australian police are investigating the possibility overseas paymasters are pulling their strings.

Crime and Justice

Wed, Jan 22

Police have stepped up security at Jewish sites across the city, including schools, synagogues, and community centres.

Meanwhile, residents remain on edge as Sydney grapples with the largest surge in anti-Semitic incidents in recent history.