Neo-Nazi Plot to Kidnap Australian Prime Minister Uncovered in Disturbing Online Messages
Police in Australia have launched raids and made arrests following the exposure of an alleged neo-Nazi plot to kidnap Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The horrifying scheme, which included plans to plant bombs in mosques, was detailed in chilling messages from a far-right online forum, with one individual reportedly offered £5,000 (approximately $10,000 AUD) to carry out the abduction.
Chilling Details Emerge from Discord Group Chat
According to leaked messages from a Discord group, a user known as "cav" proposed kidnapping Albanese to force a change in government. In one message, cav wrote: "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 questioned by another member about his intentions, cav responded: "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."
Another user in the forum allegedly offered cav £5,000 to execute the plan, highlighting the financial incentive behind the terror plot. Cav further revealed his extremist mindset, stating: "I've crossed into the f***ing realm of terrorism, bro.… The only way I would take power is through force."
Police Raids and Arrests Follow Leaked Threats
Authorities conducted two police raids in response to the leaked messages, which also included discussions about bombing mosques. In a separate incident, a user named "xertz" claimed to have been visited by police after talking about making and sending bombs to mosques in the same Discord chatroom. This user was subsequently removed from the platform by moderators.
In a related investigation, police arrested 27-year-old plumber Nathan Ballesty over social media posts allegedly threatening to kidnap the Prime Minister. Ballesty has been photographed with neo-Nazis at events and is associated with the National Socialist Network, a known neo-Nazi group. Police have not confirmed whether this case is directly linked to the Discord group plot.
Organisers Deny Awareness of Specific Threats
The Discord group was reportedly set up by organisers of the "March for Australia," a white nationalist protest against mass immigration. However, organiser Hugo Lennon stated he was unaware of any specific threats against Albanese or mosques and emphasised that his organisation does not support violence. Lennon said: "My involvement in that server has been minimal and sporadic."
Prime Minister Albanese Responds to Increased Threats
Speaking on ABC's Insiders, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the rise in threats against him and other officials. He said: "It has been true the threats have increased. There have been a range of issues that we have had to deal with, including in the week after December 14." Albanese added that his focus remains on public safety, stating: "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."
This incident underscores the growing concern over far-right extremism and online radicalisation, with authorities continuing to monitor and act on such threats to national security.
