Man charged with theft of car linked to Adass Israel Synagogue attack

The Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team has charged a man in relation to the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea.

You can now listen to The Australian's articles. Give us your feedback.

You can now listen to The Australian's articles.

The Victorian Joint Counter-­Terrorism Team has charged a man with the theft of the car ­allegedly used by those involved in the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea.

The JCTT arrested the 20-year-old man on Wednesday at Williamstown in Melbourne’s southwest and charged him with the theft of a blue Volkswagen Golf that police allege was later used by those involved in December’s Adass Israel Synagogue arson attack as well as in other serious crimes around the state.

The JCTT – made up of Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police and ASIO – confirmed it still believed the Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing was politically motivated and its terrorism investigation remained ongoing.

The man will reappear in court in October. Picture: Supplied

In a statement, it said following the man’s arrest, it executed a search warrant at a home at Melton South, where authorities seized items that are subject to further investigation.

“The man has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle and failing to comply with an order … of the Crimes Act to provide access to applications on his mobile telephone,” the JCTT said.

“The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, October 3, 2025.”

Police allege the man stole the blue 2020-model VW Golf sedan at Melton on November 29, 2024.

They allege the stolen car was used in other offences, including the Lux nightclub arson at South Yarra in November 2024, as well as an arson and shooting that occurred at Bundoora on December 6, 2024, the same night as the synagogue arson attack.

“The nightclub fire and shooting are being investigated by Victoria Police and are not considered politically motivated attacks,” the statement said.

“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.”

Following the JCTT update, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said it was important the masterminds of the attack be caught.

“It is frustrating that whenever there is a violent anti-Semitic incident, police are able to find the small criminals at the end of the chain but not the masterminds,” Mr Aghion said.

“There is clearly more going on; no doubt the police are doing their best, but we are not getting to the people who are planning these attacks and ­arranging for them to be carried out.

“Until we find those who are ultimately directing these violent crimes, we have no prospect of stopping them or delivering justice for the victims.”

Acting Victorian Premier Jac­lyn Symes said the arrest was a positive step in the investigation and thanked Victoria Police for its work.

“I think a breakthrough such as this and getting to an arrest demonstrates that the investi­gation is at a critical point,” she said.

“I’m sure that once they have the ability to question who they’ve arrested, that there may be further arrests down the track.”

Authorities continue to appeal to the community for information relating to the attack and the stolen car, which can be provided by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

A confidential report can also be made to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

The government has pledged more than $31m to rebuild the synagogue and to upgrade its ­security.