NSW Police Archives - Maroubra News

Maroubra Beach Drowning: International Student Named After Search Effort

A swimmer who entered the water at Maroubra Beach in Sydney’s east did not return to shore and was later found after a multi-day search.

What Happened At Maroubra Beach

Fangqi Peng, 30, was at Maroubra Beach on Sunday afternoon with three friends who were collecting sea snails along the shoreline.

He entered the water alone to try a newly purchased diving mask, telling the group he would return shortly. The others continued searching along the rocks and shoreline, but their view was partially blocked and they did not see him return.

Maroubra Beach drowning — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Alarm Raised And Search Begins

When the group prepared to leave, they realised Peng had not come back. Emergency services were alerted about 4 p.m. on Sunday, 1 February, after lifesavers also noticed a swimmer enter the water and not return to shore.

The beach was cleared as a precaution while the search commenced, with helicopters and watercraft deployed during the response.

Search Conditions And Recovery

Search crews continued efforts over the following days, with sea conditions affecting operations at times. Police later confirmed a man’s body was located at about 12:20 p.m. on Tuesday, 3 February.

Formal identification processes were still to be completed at the time of reporting, but police said the body was believed to be the missing swimmer. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Sydney beach incident — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Background On The Swimmer

Peng had moved to Australia from Harbin in north-eastern China more than two years ago. He was studying at university and working part-time in construction.

Friends said he regularly visited Maroubra Beach to collect sea snails and was confident in the water.

Friends’ Reaction

Friends described Peng as cheerful, easygoing and kind, and said his death had been difficult to accept because it occurred suddenly.

Published 5-Feb-2026

Maroubra Man Charged Over Breach Of Sensitive NSW Court Records

Photo Credit: NSW Police Force/X

A Maroubra man has been charged after cybercrime detectives stormed a home in Sydney’s east, uncovering thousands of sensitive court documents that had been accessed without permission in what authorities are calling a serious breach of state security.

Raid Follows Months Of Investigation

The arrest followed a two-month investigation into unauthorised access to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Online Registry, known as JusticeLink. Between late January and 20 March, nearly 9,000 restricted files were illegally downloaded.

Police allege the suspect used an account to automate document retrieval before the breach was discovered during routine maintenance, leading to a wider investigation with state and federal agencies.

Community Concerns Over Data Access

The accessed files included sensitive documents such as domestic violence orders and affidavits from civil and criminal cases across New South Wales. Legal experts warned of potential risks to vulnerable individuals if the data were leaked.

However, authorities said there is no evidence of information appearing online or on the dark web. Acting Attorney-General Ron Hoenig confirmed the breach was contained, the system stable, and no individuals under apprehended violence orders were at increased risk.

Police Operation In Maroubra

Strike Force Amherst, formed by the NSW Police Cybercrime Squad, led the early morning raid on 23 April. Footage showed heavily armed officers entering the Maroubra home, handcuffing a man who tried to hide his face, and seizing two laptops.

Officers also scanned hard drives for evidence. The man, identified as 38-year-old Christopher John Duff, was taken to Maroubra Police Station and charged with accessing restricted data and using a carriage service to cause harm.

Court Proceedings And Official Statements

Initially refused bail, Duff was later granted conditional release during his appearance at Waverley Local Court. He must pay a $1,000 bond, surrender his passport, and use only a basic mobile phone for calls and texts.

He is due back in court on 7 May. NSW Police and the Department of Communities and Justice said the breach was serious but assured the public it had been contained. Affected individuals are being contacted as the DCJ continues assessing the documents.

Published 29-April-2025

Maroubra Childcare Centre Damaged by Fire and Antisemitic Vandalism

Photo Credit: Pexels

A childcare centre in Maroubra has been damaged following an apparent arson attack, with antisemitic graffiti found on the premises. Authorities are investigating the incident, which has raised concerns about the safety of Jewish institutions in the area.

Emergency services responded to reports of a fire at the Only About Children childcare centre on Storey Street in the early hours of 21 January 2025.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which caused significant damage to the ground floor of the unoccupied building. Offensive graffiti, including antisemitic slurs, was spray-painted on the exterior wall.

The incident follows an increase in reported antisemitic attacks across Sydney and Melbourne. The childcare centre is located just metres from the Maroubra Synagogue, further heightening concerns within the local Jewish community.

Investigation and Authorities’ Response

The NSW Police Force has launched an investigation, with officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command establishing a crime scene. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage to come forward.

NSW Premier Chris Minns described the act as a “vicious hate crime” and assured the public that police are prioritising the case. City authority Anthony Albanese also condemned the incident, labelling it an “evil hate crime.”

Maroubra childcare centre fire — *Photo Credit: Alex Ryvchin/X*

Community Reaction

Maroubra Synagogue and Randwick city officials have expressed their strong support for the childcare centre and the affected community.

In a public statement, the synagogue denounced the attack and called for unity, while Randwick city authority Dylan Parker reaffirmed the council’s commitment to ensuring safety and inclusivity.

The childcare provider, Only About Children, expressed shock and sadness over the attack, stating that their focus remains on supporting families and staff during this difficult time.

Fire at Maroubra childcare centre — *Photo Credit: Alex Ryvchin/X*

Next Steps and Security Measures

Authorities are still conducting investigations, and increased security measures are being proposed for local Jewish institutions. The neighbourhood has been advised to remain cautious and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. Additional prayers have been organised at Maroubra Synagogue in response to the incident.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or emergency services at Triple Zero (000).

Published 22-Jan-2025