Victorian man accused of posting asbestos to consulates

Asbestos was the substance that sparked a major emergency response at foreign consulates in Melbourne and across the country, it has been revealed. The man accused of sending the packages today fronted court wearing a Minions t-shirt.

Firefighters hose down equipment after attending the Greek Embassy. Picture: David Caird

Asbestos was the substance that sparked a major emergency response at foreign consulates in Melbourne and across the country, it has been revealed.

Victorian man Savas Avan, 48, is charged with posting 38 packages of asbestos to consulates across Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney yesterday.

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He was arrested and charged after police swooped on his Shepparton home last night.

Mr Avan was charged with a single count of causing packages “to be carried by Australia Post, in a manner which gives rise to a danger of serious harm to another person”.

Ambulance crews in protective equipment outside the Turkish consulate in Melbourne. Picture: Aaron Francis

Firefighters wearing hazmat suits outside the Greek Consulate in Melbourne. Picture: Aaron Francis

Firefighters remove a large sealed box at the Greek Consulate. Picture: David Caird

He appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court today for a brief filing hearing.

Mr Avan initially refused to be brought into court, but later complied with requests by security staff.

Sporting a Minions T-shirt that read “more than meets the eye” he remained silent during the brief hearing during which a timetable was set for the progression of his case.

The court heard Mr Avan had never been in custody before.

A Victorian man charged after almost 40 suspicious packages were sent to consulates across Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney yesterday has appeared briefly in court. Wearing this tee. More @theheraldsun soon. pic.twitter.com/nwu11xhYdD

— Shannon Deery (@s_deery) January 10, 2019

He made no application for bail and was remanded to reappear at court on March 4.

Police have been given until next month to finish compiling a brief of evidence, with prosecutors requesting it be served as an electronic file because of the expected volume of material.

In Melbourne, Seven foreign consulates and embassies, including the British and US, were evacuated in the CBD and St Kilda Rd after staff reported receiving envelopes containing a white powder.

Firefighters and police outside St Kilda Rd Towers after the discovery. Picture: David Caird

A firefighter is suited up after suspicious packages were found. Picture: Aaron Francis

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