In a disturbing development following the Bondi Beach attack, a sinister plot to abduct Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been exposed through leaked secret messages from an online group chat. The scheme, which involved offering $10,000 to rent a van for the kidnapping, aimed to install a new 'nationalist' regime, according to reports from the Sydney Morning Herald.
Far-Right Associates and Neo-Nazi Links
The threat originated from far-right associates connected to neo-Nazis within a Discord chat room operated by organisers of the March for Australia group. One individual, using the username 'Cav', expressed a belief that sufficient members of the National Socialist Network (NSN) could execute the plot. The NSN, which was disbanded on January 18 ahead of new hate speech laws, has not been implicated in this specific kidnapping plan, with the Daily Mail clarifying that its leader Thomas Sewell was not involved.
Explicit Chat Room Discussions
In the leaked texts, Cav advocated for forcibly detaining Albanese, stating, 'I genuinely believe the best option is to is literally to f***ing grab him [Albanese] and put him in a room and force him to answer like every possible f***ing question.' When challenged by another user who asked, 'Yes, but are you actually going to do it?', Cav replied, 'I would, yeah. And if anyone wants to … like rent the van and help f***ing come grab him with me. Like, yeah, let's go.' It is believed a user then offered $10,000 for the van rental, while others suggested attempting a 'proper debate' with the Prime Minister first.
Police Raids and Ongoing Investigations
Shortly after these discussions, police conducted a raid on a neo-Nazi associate's home in Sydney over a separate social media post allegedly calling for Albanese's abduction. Additionally, members of the Discord chat's livestream channel discussed sending high-powered bombs to mosques via postal services, leading to another police intervention. Authorities have confirmed that investigations into these matters remain active and ongoing.
Prime Minister's Response and Security Concerns
Speaking on ABC's Insiders, Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged the increased threats, stating, 'There have been a range of issues that we have had to deal with, including in the week after December 14.' He remained defiant, emphasising, 'My focus is on keeping all Australians safe, not myself. I trust the AFP and the authorities to do their task and I'm absolutely determined to not be deterred from attending any event or engaging as Prime Minister with the Australian people.'
Disbandment of National Socialist Network
This revelation comes weeks after the NSN announced its disbandment ahead of new hate speech laws effective from January 20. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke had identified the NSN, along with radical Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir, as key organisations to be outlawed. In a Telegram message, the group declared it would be 'fully disbanded' by 11.59pm on January 18, including its co-projects such as White Australia and the European Australian Movement, to avoid arrests under what they termed 'draconian laws'.
Growing Threat of Online Extremism
Authorities have warned of escalating online extremism, with far-right influencers using social media to incite violence, including calls for 'bloodletting' and 'lynchings' ahead of planned anti-immigration rallies on Australia Day. A series of 'March for Australia' events are expected nationwide on January 26, though organisers deny official ties to the NSN despite reported communications between the groups. In September, a March for Australia event saw neo-Nazis in attendance, some acting as safety marshals in yellow vests, highlighting the blurred lines within these movements.
