Leon Emmanuel Sofilas and his neighbor Adam Moule, both with extensive criminal records, are accused of firebombing cars, vandalizing a synagogue and a former home of a Jewish community member, and spraying antisemitic graffiti. Sofilas’ brother, Michael, a Sydney rapper, insists his brother is not a white supremacist and lacks the intelligence to orchestrate such attacks.
Moule, suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues, was recently released from jail for negligent driving.
In a separate incident, Tammie Farrugia and Scott Marshall, a financially struggling couple with Marshall having a criminal record, are charged with arson and graffiti related to an attack in Woollahra. They are also under investigation for a caravan containing old explosives and a note mentioning Jewish sites, though no charges have been filed in that case. Friends express surprise at Farrugia’s alleged involvement, describing her past as non-racist.
Authorities suspect a possible “puppet master” is coordinating these attacks, using tactics common to organized crime, such as recruiting vulnerable individuals and destroying evidence. The connection between the two pairs of suspects remains unclear, with the only link being a social media interaction between Farrugia and an account criticizing Sofilas’ family. The investigation continues as the Jewish community grapples with fear and uncertainty.
Several recent antisemitic attacks in Sydney have raised concerns within the Jewish community and sparked a police investigation into possible links between the crimes and organized crime. The individuals arrested in connection with these attacks share a common profile: low-level criminals with histories of petty crime, unstable living situations, and apparent lack of political motivation.
Leon Sofilas and his neighbor Adam Moule, both with extensive criminal records, are accused of firebombing cars, vandalizing a synagogue and a former home of a Jewish community member, and spraying antisemitic graffiti. Sofilas’ brother, Michael, a Sydney rapper, insists his brother is not a white supremacist and lacks the intelligence to orchestrate such attacks. Moule, suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues, was recently released from jail for negligent driving.
In a separate incident, Tammie Farrugia and Scott Marshall, a financially struggling couple with Marshall having a criminal record, are charged with arson and graffiti related to an attack in Woollahra. They are also under investigation for a caravan containing old explosives and a note mentioning Jewish sites, though no charges have been filed in that case. Friends express surprise at Farrugia’s alleged involvement, describing her past as non-racist.
Authorities suspect a possible “puppet master” is coordinating these attacks, using tactics common to organized crime, such as recruiting vulnerable individuals and destroying evidence. The connection between the two pairs of suspects remains unclear, with the only link being a social media interaction between Farrugia and an account criticizing Sofilas’ family. The investigation continues as the Jewish community grapples with fear and uncertainty.