澳大利亚联邦警察正在调查一起针对墨尔本防务公司Lovitt Technologies的纵火袭击事件，并将其定性为恐怖活动[1]。事件发生于2023年7月5日，肇事者纵火三辆车辆并在建筑物上涂鸦[1]。警方指控犯罪分子具有亲巴勒斯坦动机，涉嫌极左激进分子参与[1]。这是澳大利亚10月7日事件后首次针对亲巴勒斯坦活动主义的反恐调查[1]。
Lovitt Technologies是一家机械制造商，曾在2023年获得150万美元补助金用于F35战斗机项目工作[1]。联邦警察探员Anthony Hall表示："我们不能低估此犯罪的严重性，AFP与合作伙伴不会容忍任何以极端意识形态为动机、旨在制造社区恐惧的恐怖行为。"[1]维多利亚州警察亦指出："任何人用如此暴力危险的方式表达政治或社会观点是不可接受的。"[1]
该案件代号为Operation Braehead，最高刑罚为终身监禁[1]。澳大利亚安全情报组织主任Mike Burgess在6月曾指出针对以色列关联公司的纵火和破坏活动[1]。
Australian Federal Police are investigating an arson attack on Melbourne-based defense firm Lovitt Technologies as a potential terror offense, with authorities examining alleged pro-Palestinian motives behind the incident.[1] The attack occurred on July 5, 2023, and involved the firebombing of three vehicles and the spray-painting of the company's building.[1] Lovitt Technologies, a mechanical manufacturer, had received a 1.5 million dollar grant in 2023 to work on F-35 fighter jet projects.[1]
AFP detective Anthony Hall emphasized the gravity of the case, stating: "We cannot underestimate the seriousness of this crime, and the AFP and its partners will not tolerate any terrorist conduct motivated by extreme ideological views aimed at creating fear in the community."[1] Victoria Police added that "it is completely unacceptable for anyone to express political or social views in such a violent and dangerous manner."[1]
The investigation, code-named Operation Braehead, represents Australia's first counterterrorism inquiry targeting pro-Palestinian activism following the October 7 incidents.[1] ASIO director Mike Burgess had previously flagged in June instances of arson and property damage directed at Israel-linked businesses.[1] Those convicted of the offense face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.[1]