Police in Australia say an explosives-filled trailer that politicians earlier described as an antisemitic terrorism plot and a foiled mass casualty event was staged by criminals in a complicated hoax.

Australian Jews were facing violent incidents for months but authorities say there hasn't been a significant attack since early February.

A fake plan to attack a Sydney synagogue using a caravan of explosives was fabricated by an organised crime network in order to divert police resources, Australian police said on Monday. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

Australian police said they have charged 14 members of an organised crime ring accused of menacing the country with attacks dressed up as religiously motivated hate crimes.

Australian police said Tuesday they have charged 14 members of an organised crime ring accused of menacing the country with attacks dressed up as religiously motivated hate crimes. New South Wales Police said Tuesday that 14 people had been arrested and charged with 65 offences,

The discovery was staged by criminals as part of a complicated hoax to divert police resources and create fear, authorities said.

A fake plan to attack on a Sydney synagogue using a caravan of explosives was fabricated by an organized crime network in order to divert police resources, Australian police said on Monday.