NSW police probe if foreign actors paid criminals in cryptocurrency to carry out anti-Semitic attacks

A new database monitoring anti-Semitic attacks nationwide will be established as federal police investigate if foreign actors used cryptocurrency to fund a spate of targeted firebombings.

Australia’s top cop has revealed federal police are investigating whether foreign actors paid local criminals to commit anti-Semitic attacks, following a spate of targeted firebombings.

It came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national database would be formed to keep track of incidents targeting the Jewish community across the country, following a meeting with state and territory leaders on Tuesday evening.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the potential of crooks being paid in cryptocurrency for carrying out firebombings was also being pursued, as he issued a statement saying: “There is no doubt there is an escalation of anti-Semitism in Australia.”

“All lines of inquiry are open to the investigations – including what anonymising technology, such as dedicated encrypted communication devices, have been used to commit these crimes,” the commissioner said.

“We are looking into whether overseas actors or individuals have paid local criminals in Australia to carry out some of these crimes in our suburbs.

An investigator combs through the wreckage of the Maroubra pre-school torched in an alleged anti-semitic attack. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“We are looking at if – or how – they have been paid, for example in cryptocurrency, which can take longer to identify.”

He added the AFP was also investigating whether young people had carried out the crimes and if they’d been radicalised online.

“Regardless, it all points to the same motivation: demonising and intimidating the Jewish community,” he said.

The prime minister, following his meeting with premiers and chief ministers at national cabinet on Tuesday evening, issued a statement saying a database tracking anti-Semitic incidents across the country would be established.

“The purpose of one national reporting system is to better inform and co-ordinate responses to anti-Semitic incidents,” the statement said.

“The prime minister, state premiers and chief ministers unequivocally condemn anti-Semitism and reaffirmed to stamp it out in Australia.”

Despite talking down the prospect of a national cabinet as recently as Monday, Mr Albanese relented on Tuesday after the country woke up to another horrific firebombing attack.

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

The Maroubra childcare centre destroyed in the latest blaze will also receive finance from the NSW and federal governments, if required, for its rebuilding.

The national cabinet came at the urging of Jewish leaders, with Alex Ryvchin, the co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, among those calling for the move.

Mr Albanese, when quizzed on Monday on holding a national cabinet, said: “What people want to see isn’t more meetings. They want to see more action.”

The meeting also came after Opposition leader Peter Dutton pledged to hold a national cabinet as part of a slew of election promises tackling anti-Semitism.

Mr Dutton on Tuesday accused the Prime Minister of being “dragged kicking and screaming” to hosting a national cabinet amid “rolling terrorist attacks”.

“The prime minister should have demonstrated leadership 15 months ago off the back of the dreadful scenes that Australians watched on the steps of the Sydney Opera House …(but he) chose not to do that,” he said.

YASMIN CATLEY PLEDGES ACTION AGAINST ANTI-SEMITISM

The NSW Police Minister has vowed that law enforcement will use every legal avenue to address the recent surge in anti-Semitic attacks.

It comes as a 33-year-old man was charged with attempting to set fire to a Newtown synagogue, with his arrest marking the ninth under Strike Force Pearl’s investigation into anti-Semitic hate crimes.

Yasmin Catley clarified that while the crimes fall short of the legal threshold for terrorism charges, they are close.

“The police will look at that, and I think you’re right. It’s getting pretty close, but they look at those thresholds, and they will determine whether or not they need those extra powers to be able to make those arrests,” she told 2GB’s Mark Levy.

“Clearly, the powers they have been sufficient for them to make this successful arrest.”

Ms Catley praised the rapid progress made by Strike Force Pearl in addressing the incidents.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

“This makes nine arrests now in relation to these abhorrent attacks across our city. Police are doing great work, and this particular arrest couldn’t have come soon enough,” she said.

“He’s been bail refused, and now let’s hope he faces the full letter of the law.”

Police have bolstered their presence in areas of concern, including those with significant Jewish populations.

“We’ve increased proactive policing in areas with significant Jewish populations and buildings. “We want our Jewish community to feel safe and comfortable,” she said.

She also highlighted plans to strengthen legislation against hate speech when parliament returns.

“The premier has indicated we’ll be bolstering hate speech laws when parliament returns. What we’re seeing is divisive, hateful, and shameful, and we all must stand against it,” she said.

“These criminal activities have heightened and are very aggressive. We must ensure evidence is thorough so we achieve successful prosecutions.”

Originally published as NSW police probe if foreign actors paid criminals in cryptocurrency to carry out anti-Semitic attacks