Search for masked vandals at fighter jet-linked factory
Footage has been released of three people allegedly involved in vandalising a metalworks with anti-Israeli messaging, after it was linked to fighter jet parts.
In the early hours of this morning, three people approached a factory on a suburban street, scaling a secure fence with their faces covered.
They allegedly left a trail of destruction, graffitiing the premises and damaging equipment at a business protesters have targeted due to its alleged links to Israel’s war in Gaza.
Video: NSW Police
CCTV footage of the trio was released on Wednesday as investigators look for those responsible for the damage at SEC Plating in southwest Sydney.
Police found graffiti including “Free Gaza” on the front of the business and damage to fences as well as industrial machinery inside after being called to the scene about 4.10am on Tuesday.
The business has been the target of several protests in recent months including one that left a prominent member of the Greens seriously injured.
Police faced criticism after former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas sustained a serious eye injury as officers tried to break up a rally in June.
She ran as a candidate for the Greens in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Grayndler electorate at the May federal election.
Video: Steven Markham/AAP
Activist group Weapons out of the West has targeted the business since January, alleging its services play a role in the supply chain for weapons used by Israel in its war in Gaza, particularly F-35.
The F-35A program is funded by the US and close allies including NATO and Australia
Mr Albanese said more than a dozen countries are involved in the supply chain for the US-designed supersonic stealth strike fighters, when asked about sending “non-lethal” parts to Israel.
Australia is obliged to honour contracts it has signed with aircraft manufacturers, he said.
“What it would do were Australia to withdraw from that is to withdraw from participation with those, 16 or 17 countries that are involved in that supply chain,” the prime minister told ABC News on Tuesday.
SEC Plating was founded in 1947 and provides industrial electroplating and surface coating services including for aerospace and defence sectors, according to the company’s website.
“We wish to expand our relationships through other sub-contracting manufacturers to the defence primes and believe that we can be a significant part of a quality, cost-effective supply chain for this purpose,” a company presentation from 2015 reads.
By: Jack Gramenz/AAP
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