NSW Police Counter Terrorism detectives have charged two men following an investigation into the alleged malicious damage of a synagogue in Sydney’s south, and three other incidents in Maroubra and Dover Heights.
On 10 January, NSW Police says officers attached to St George Police Area Command were patrolling Railway Parade in Allawah when they located graffiti on a synagogue (pictured).
“Initial inquiries indicated the damage – which depicted a Nazi swastika and antisemitic messaging – was graffitied around 4am the same day,” Police said.
Police established a crime scene and Strike Force Pearl detectives commenced an investigation into the incident.
Following extensive investigation – including a public appeal for information – strike force detectives charged two men – aged 26 and 27 – earlier this year.
The 26-year-old was charged with knowingly display by public act Nazi symbol without excuse, destroy/damage property in company more than $2,000, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The 27-year-old was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Detectives will allege the 26-year-old man carried out the attack on the instructions and with assistance of the 27-year-old man.
The 27-year-old was also charged with two counts of participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime, which relate to three other incidents under investigation under SF Pearl which occurred at a childcare centre in Maroubra, a school in Maroubra, and a home in Dover Heights.
Both men were issued court attendance notices to appear before Downing Centre Local Court, with the 26-year-old set to appear on 21 October, and the 27-year-old set to appear on 30 October.
The NSW Police Force takes hate crimes seriously and encourages anyone who is the victim of a hate crime of witnesses a hate crime to report the matter to police through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through Triple Zero (000).
