PORT PHILLIP: Arrest linked with synagogue fire
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team has charged a man over his alleged role in the theft of the blue VW Golf, which was later used by those involved in the Adass Israel Synagogue arson attack at Ripponlea and other serious crimes in Victoria.
The JCTT, which includes Victoria Police, AFP and ASIO, previously stated last year’s arson was likely a politically-motivated attack.
This remains the position of the JCTT, and the investigation remains a terrorism investigation.
As part of ongoing inquiries, investigators arrested a 20-year-old man at Williamstown on Wednesday (July 16) before executing a search warrant at a home at Melton South, where they seized items subject to further investigation.
The man has been charged with theft of motor vehicle and failing to comply with an order under the Crimes Act to provide access to applications on his mobile telephone. The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 3.
Police will allege in court that the blue 2020-model VW Golf sedan was stolen between November 12-13 at Croydon, and the man was observed driving the stolen vehicle on November 29 at Melton.
The stolen Golf was also used in other offences, including the Lux nightclub arson at South Yarra in November 2024, as well an arson and shooting that occurred in Bundoora on the same night as the synagogue arson attack (December 6).
The nightclub fire and shooting are being investigated by Victoria Police and are not considered politically-motivated attacks.
The investigation into the Ripponlea synagogue fire continues to be treated as a priority by police, including the involvement of significant resources across all agencies.
The JCTT is also regularly engaging with relevant communities in relation to the status of the investigation.