Australian detectives are investigating whether foreign actors are paying criminals to commit antisemitic attacks in the country. Commissioner Reece Kershaw confirmed that detectives are looking into 15 serious allegations of antisemitic crime, including arson and graffiti attacks on buildings and businesses.
The investigations focus on identifying potential “criminals-for-hire” who may be behind some incidents. Police believe these actors could be motivated by ideology or financial gain. Kershaw warned that the use of cryptocurrency can make it difficult to track transactions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the rise in antisemitic attacks, stating that they often appear to be perpetrated by people without a clear ideological motivation, but may be paid to carry out the acts. The attacks have targeted Jewish institutions and businesses in Sydney and Melbourne, which are home to 85% of Australia’s Jewish population.
In recent weeks, detectives arrested Adam Edward Moule on charges related to an attempted synagogue arson attack in January. An accomplice is expected to be arrested soon. Police have doubled their efforts to investigate antisemitic crime, doubling the number of detectives working on Strike Force Pearl from 20 to 40.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/australia-antisemitism-sydney-police-commissioner-e13f573ac52d2639a13685743d898d9e