Podcast Summary: Crime Interrupted – Operation Castrum

Episode Title: Operation Castrum
Release Date: May 25, 2025
Host/Author: Casefile Presents
Podcast Description: Crime Interrupted delves into some of the most significant and complex cases handled by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). This episode, "Operation Castrum," unpacks a high-stakes counterterrorism operation that thwarted a planned terrorist attack in Sydney's Fairfield suburb. Through firsthand accounts from AFP officers and collaboration with domestic and international partners, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the meticulous efforts required to maintain national security.

1. Introduction to the Australian Federal Police and Counterterrorism Efforts (00:02 - 03:35)

Peter Crozier opens the episode by outlining the role and mission of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), emphasizing their collaboration with both Australian and international partners to combat a spectrum of threats including cybercrime, human trafficking, and, notably, terrorism. He highlights the formation of the New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), which integrates resources from the New South Wales Police Force and the New South Wales Crime Commission. The JCTT's primary objective is to detect and prevent terrorist activities swiftly, minimizing vulnerabilities and reducing the likelihood of attacks.

Key Quote:
Peter Crozier [00:02]: “The AFP works with Australian and international partners to combat cybercrime, online, child sexual exploitation, transnational serious organised crime, fraud and corruption and terrorism, espionage and foreign interference.”

2. The Impact of the Bali Bombings and Evolution of Counterterrorism (03:35 - 06:16)

Darren Sly, a key member of the JCTT, discusses his experiences in counterterrorism (CT), particularly following the tragic Bali bombings in 2002, which resulted in the loss of 202 lives, including 88 Australians. He explains how these events reshaped CT strategies, emphasizing the emergence of suicide bombings in Indonesia and the subsequent need for heightened vigilance and intelligence.

Key Quote:
Darren Sly [05:02]: “At that time, we had a list of suspects that came from Bali. We didn't have any holdings, intelligence on those individuals. That just wasn't the case. But what we deal with now in the CT space is not only are we likely to have intelligence and law enforcement holdings on individuals, it's a good possibility that we may have done quite extensive investigative activity against them.”

3. Rising Threats and the Genesis of Operation Castrum (06:16 - 08:00)

Peter Crozier shifts focus to the early 2010s, highlighting a surge in radicalization influenced by the Islamic State. In September 2014, a fatwa from an ISIS leader called on Australians to target the government and public. This period saw incidents like the Endeavour Hills Police stabbing and the tragic Lindt Cafe siege in Sydney’s Inner West.

Key Quote:
Peter Crozier [05:38]: “With each new development in crime types, the AFP has to stay a step ahead. The Bali bombings taught law enforcement some important lessons.”

4. Initiation of Operation Castrum (08:00 - 12:20)

Operation Castrum emerged from intelligence indicating that two young men, Omar (an Iraqi refugee) and Mohammad (a Kuwaiti student), were communicating with an overseas ISIS supporter and planning attacks in Sydney. Tim Jolly, an AFP Detective Sergeant, describes the intense environment within the JCTT during this period, marked by high volumes of plots and foreign fighter movements.

Key Quote:
Tim Jolly [06:57]: “It was a high tempo, high volume period of time working within the CT investigations area. … It was fatiguing but rewarding for those that work in the national security space.”

5. The Intelligence Breakthrough and Immediate Response (12:20 - 20:09)

The JCTT received crucial intelligence from an informant about Omar and Mohammad's plans to attack a Shia prayer hall using incendiary devices. As the threat evolved, their target shifted to a police station with a defined plan:

1. Wear gloves.
2. Execute a lethal first hit.
3. Maintain calm during execution.
4. Complete the operation within one minute.

This intelligence prompted an urgent mobilization of resources to monitor and intercept the suspects before they could act.

Key Quote:
Tim Jolly [08:16]: “They had been instructed almost like a four point plan. So in terms of that targeting of police or members of the public, we've got some information here that absolutely rises the priorities investigation to a point where we need to identify who they are, that they are under surveillance and go through and arrest these people to stop them undertaking this plan.”

6. Surveillance and Gathering Evidence (20:09 - 26:22)

The team swiftly traced Omar and Mohammad to their residence in Fairfield after observing suspicious behavior, including the purchase of a large hunting knife—an indicator of impending violence. Despite the knife purchase being non-criminal, its context raised significant alarm, leading to the invocation of special powers under terrorism legislation to search their premises.

Key Quote:
Hilda Ciric [06:50] [22:29]: “We found them, we put surveillance on them. … They were planning on doing something that afternoon and we're now going out purchasing a very large hunting knife.”

7. Arrest and Collection of Critical Evidence (26:22 - 34:54)

As the investigation intensified, tactical operatives executed a safe and textbook arrest of Omar and Mohammad. The subsequent search yielded substantial evidence, including a martyrdom video, modified weapons, and communication materials linking them to an ISIS supporter. This evidence not only solidified the case against them but also underscored the seriousness of their intentions.

Key Quotes:
Hilda Ciric [34:54]: “...in that half an hour or so, that is when they made their martyr video. Now, that is the best piece of evidence we could ever have.”
Unnamed Informant [27:53]: “We could hear a pin drop in the Major incident room and we're just on bated breath going, what's going to happen?”

8. The Role of the Informant and Community Engagement (34:54 - 43:00)

A pivotal moment in Operation Castrum was the contribution of an overseas informant who provided critical insights into Omar and Mohammad’s communications with their ISIS supporter. Detective Hilda Ciric and Darren Sly commend the informant’s courage and commitment, highlighting the essential role community engagement plays in counterterrorism efforts.

Key Quote:
Hilda Ciric [37:28]: “...this particular person was very upfront in the fact that he wanted to assist police.”
Darren Sly [42:01]: “The engagement with community is fundamental and.”

9. Legal Proceedings and Sentencing (43:00 - 46:41)

Omar and Mohammad pleaded guilty to acts in preparation for a terrorist offense, a move that Darren Sly notes was expected given the robust evidence gathered. Initially sentenced to 20 years with eligibility for parole after 15 years, their sentences were later appealed and adjusted to a maximum of 16 years with a 12-year non-parole period. The legal process reinforced the effectiveness of the JCTT’s investigative strategies.

Key Quote:
Darren Sly [44:40]: “They pleaded guilty to acts in preparation for a terrorist offence… They pleaded guilty to preparing to do something and that should be something that is communicated very broadly to skeptics within the Community.”

10. Reflections and Lessons Learned (46:41 - 50:43)

Team members reflect on the significance of Operation Castrum. The rapid radicalization of Omar and Mohammad emphasized the need for immediate and effective counterterrorism measures. Hilda Ciric shares personal growth experiences, including managing team pressure and reinforcing faith in community resilience. Tim Jolly highlights the seamless collaboration within law enforcement agencies, showcasing their ability to transition swiftly from routine operations to high-stakes interventions.

Key Quotes:
Tim Jolly [49:36]: “…the community should maintain their confidence in law enforcement, that we all work together to stop threats to the public.”
Unnamed Informant [46:41]: “The speed of radicalisation… something can happen and someone can turn around and want to harm us.”

11. Conclusion and Call to Action (50:43 - End)

Peter Crozier concludes the episode by underscoring the AFP’s commitment to national security and inviting listeners to explore more about the AFP’s roles and opportunities. The collaborative and relentless efforts of the JCTT and their partners exemplify the dedication required to protect society from evolving terrorist threats.

Key Quote:
Peter Crozier [50:16]: “The AFP offers a lifetime of opportunities with over 200 diverse roles across Australia and the world… Everyday people doing legendary work.”

Key Takeaways:

• Swift Intelligence Response: Operation Castrum exemplifies the importance of rapid response to intelligence, ensuring threats are neutralized before execution.

• Community Engagement: The pivotal role of informants and community vigilance is crucial in identifying and stopping potential threats.

• Collaborative Efforts: Effective counterterrorism requires seamless cooperation between various law enforcement agencies and international partners.

• Adaptability and Preparedness: The AFP's ability to adapt to emerging threats and implement specialized legislative powers is vital in maintaining public safety.

• Personal Courage and Dedication: The dedication of officers like Darren Sly, Tim Jolly, and Hilda Ciric, along with courageous informants, underscores the human element in counterterrorism operations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Peter Crozier [00:02]: “The AFP works with Australian and international partners to combat cybercrime, online, child sexual exploitation, transnational serious organised crime, fraud and corruption and terrorism, espionage and foreign interference.”

• Darren Sly [05:02]: “At that time, we had a list of suspects that came from Bali. We didn't have any holdings, intelligence on those individuals. That just wasn't the case.”

• Hilda Ciric [06:50]: “We found them, we put surveillance on them. So within about two hours of receiving that initial call to say they were going to do something, we observed them attending a camping store…”

• Tim Jolly [26:33]: “...that might have been part of preventing them from actually executing their plan.”

• Unnamed Informant [46:41]: “The speed of radicalisation… something can happen and someone can turn around and want to harm us.”

• Darren Sly [42:01]: “The engagement with community is fundamental and.”

Final Thoughts:

"Operation Castrum" serves as a compelling case study on the complexities and necessities of modern counterterrorism efforts. It sheds light on the meticulous planning, inter-agency collaboration, and unwavering dedication of law enforcement officers committed to safeguarding the public. Through detailed narratives and insightful reflections, the episode not only recounts a successful operation but also imparts valuable lessons on preventing and responding to terrorism in an ever-evolving global landscape.