Charged over alleged lying about Sydney Hanukkah massacre victim status for compensation

Alleged compensation fraud

Police say the man claimed he was wounded when gunmen attacked a crowd at Bondi Beach. His name has not been released, and police have not specified which victim-compensation scheme he allegedly tried to use.

A joint federal and state government plan offered injured Bondi victims up to AU$35,000 (£18,522) for injuries caused by bullets or shrapnel. Police said the fraud case would not affect matters already before the court.

Attack and court proceedings

The 14 December 2025 attack killed 15 people aged between 10 and 87, while about 40 people were wounded. Police shot Sajid Akram dead and wounded his son, Naveed Akram, now 25; police allege the pair were inspired by Islamic State.

Naveed Akram appeared in a Sydney court on Wednesday facing 78 charges, including 15 murder counts, 43 attempted-murder counts and one count of committing a terrorist act. He has not entered a plea.

Cases set for later dates

The compensation suspect was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in a Sydney court on 18 November. Separately, Judge Karen Stafford approved prosecutor Danielle New’s request to adjourn the case against Akram until 24 February.

New told the court prosecutors needed additional time to consult victims and relatives before charges could be certified. Defence lawyers did not oppose the adjournment.

Identity not confirmed

The Daily Telegraph reported that the suspect was an Indian national and had been taken from a police station to Australia’s largest immigration detention centre, with possible deportation. The department declined to discuss individual cases, citing privacy. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief Alex Ryvchin called the alleged fraud despicable.