Second man charged over Adass Israel Synagogue arson
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team has arrested a second man for his role in the arson attack that severely damaged the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team has arrested a second man for his role in the arson attack that severely damaged the Adass Israel Synagogue in December.
The 20-year-old Meadow Heights man has been charged with arson, recklessly endangering life, and vehicle theft over the attack on the synagogue in Ripponlea on December 6.
He was charged by investigators after a search warrant was executed at a Meadow Heights home on August 14.
Police seized a number of items, including electronic devices, which are undergoing forensic examination.
He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court next week.
Footage of the arrest shows officers swooping in on the two-storey property north of Melbourne to make the arrest.
Under Operation Hilfield, the JCTT has now charged two of the three alleged offenders accused of directly setting the synagogue on fire.
It comes after 21-year-old Giovanni Laulu was arrested and charged over the firebombing of the place of worship less than a month ago.
CCTV footage released this year shows masked men smashing their way into the $20m synagogue, with one carrying a red jerry can before flames engulfed the building.
The fire caused extensive damage to the synagogue and destroyed priceless religious artefacts, including centuries-old Torah scrolls.
Synagogue board member Benjamin Klein said the Ripponlea community was grateful for the effort and resources police had poured into making a breakthrough in the investigation.
“The community is very grateful to the police’s work and effort in the investigation. This arrest demonstrates that hatred won’t win in our beautiful city of Melbourne,” Mr Klein said.
Last month the JCTT charged a Melton South man, 20, for allegedly stealing a communal crime car, which is alleged to have been used to drive to the synagogue.
It is believed the blue Volkswagen Golf sedan that was used in the arson attack was the same vehicle used in the LUX Nightclub arson attack on November 21, 2024.
Police are investigating whether the attack was directed or inspired by foreign-based figures and are yet to rule out terrorism charges.
Last month the AFP confirmed they were probing whether Middle-Eastern illicit tobacco crime boss Kazem “Kaz” Hamad had any connection to the crime.
AFP acting assistant commissioner Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Nick Read said the JCTT remained committed to pursuing those involved in this attack.
“The AFP, together with Victoria Police under the JCTT, warned we would not allow these alleged crimes to go unpunished, and today’s latest arrest highlights that we remain laser focused on identifying those responsible and holding them to account for this attack,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Read said.
“This investigation has been one of the highest priorities for the JCTT. I want to reassure the community – especially the Jewish community – that the AFP, together with Victoria Police and ASIO, are working relentlessly to bring this investigation to its conclusion.
“We warned that further arrests would follow, and today we have taken yet another step towards justice.”
Victoria Police assistant commissioner Counter Terrorism Tess Walsh said police remain committed to ensuring all those involved in this dangerous offending are held to account.
“This investigation continues to steadily progress and with that comes opportunities for police to lay further charges. At no point should any of those who were involved in this attack feel like they are safe from police scrutiny – we are continuing to pursue every avenue of inquiry and every piece of information provided to us by the public.
“Victoria Police has seen first-hand the impact of a crime like this, how it has impacted both the Jewish community and the broader community. There is no place for this type of offending in our state, and we will be relentless in pursuing those who are prepared to engage in these acts of violence.
“Along with my colleagues from the AFP and ASIO, I want to reassure the community that this investigation remains a priority for Victoria Police. I also want to take this opportunity to again urge anyone out there who has information about this incident and those involved to come forward and speak to police.”
