PORT PHILLIP: Charges over synagogue arson
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team has charged a man over his alleged role in the arson that severely damaged the Adass Israel Synagogue in December.
The Werribee man, 21, has been charged with arson, conduct endangering life, and and theft of motor vehicle.
The offence of arson carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment, while the offence of theft of motor vehicle and conduct endangering life both carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
It will be alleged the man is one of three individuals who broke into the Ripponlea synagogue and set the fire. Further arrests and charges are expected soon.
The Werribee man was expected to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
JCTT investigators, with assistance from Victoria Police Special Operations Group and AFP Tactical Response, executed seven search warrants at Point Cook, Toorak, Airport West, Hadfield, Werribee, Weir Views and Coburg on Wednesday (July 30).
Various items, including electronic devices, were seized and will be forensically examined.
An AFP member was attacked by an unrestrained dog at the Weir Views home, resulting in a police firearm being discharged. The dog was subsequently euthanised at a veterinary clinic.
On July 16 last year, the JCTT charged another person for allegedly stealing a communal crime car, which is alleged to have been used to drive to the synagogue on December 6
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said that the arrest was a significant step forward in the investigation, and was a testament to the commitment across all agencies to hold those involved in this incident to account.
“Since the fire occurred on December 6 last year, the investigation has been one of the highest priorities for Victoria Police and the JCTT.
“Today’s arrest is a demonstration of our ongoing efforts to hold those involved to account. We now have charged two people as part of this investigation and I expect there will be more to come.
“What has also been clear to us throughout this investigation is that assistance from the public is absolutely crucial and without that assistance, the investigation would not be where it is today.
“We know there are people out there with information that will progress this investigation – whether that is people we have already spoken to or others who are yet to come forward.
“Again, I appeal for those people to contact police. If you have any details at all about those involved and their motivation, then we want to hear from you. Even the smallest detail or piece of information could prove crucial.
“I want to reassure people that Victoria Police will continue to work with our law enforcement partners including the AFP and ASIO to do everything we can to bring this investigation to a successful.
Pictured: Wendy Steendam, Deputy Commissioner