New South Wales police have charged 14 people, including a former bikie boss, in connection with a wave of alleged antisemitic attacks across Sydney. Sayed Moosawi, 32, a former chapter president of the Nomad bikies, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges related to two arson attacks in Bondi Beach in October 2024.
Court documents allege that Moosawi directed two men, Guy Finnegan and Craig Bantoft, who earlier pleaded guilty to setting fire to the Curly Lewis brewery on 17 October. The men allegedly took orders from an individual using the encrypted messaging handle 'James Bond'. The figure later accused them of botching the attack, leading to questions about payment.
A subsequent fire damaged Lewis’ Continental Kitchen on 20 October. Moosawi faces charges of knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group and being an accessory before the fact to arson. He did not apply for bail and it was formally refused.
Police allege the attacks were part of a broader campaign orchestrated by a senior organised crime figure to distract law enforcement and influence prosecutions. Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that the person 'pulling the strings' has not yet been arrested, but an operational strategy is in place.
Meanwhile, a caravan found in January containing explosives and a list of Jewish targets was revealed to be a 'fake terrorism plot' designed to divert police resources. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns defended the initial terrorism classification, citing the seriousness of prior attacks.
