A man has been charged in connection to the arson incident at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, which occurred on December 6, 2022. The 21-year-old from Werribee faces charges of arson, conduct endangering life, and motor vehicle theft after his arrest during a police operation on Tuesday.
Authorities allege that he was one of three individuals who unlawfully entered the synagogue and started a fire, causing significant damage to the building. His arrest took place at a home in Werribee during a series of coordinated raids by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) across Melbourne, including locations in Point Cook, Toorak, Airport West, Hadfield, Weir Views, and Coburg. During these operations, various items, including electronic devices, were confiscated.
The man is scheduled to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. If convicted, he could face a maximum of 15 years in prison for arson, alongside potential sentences of up to 10 years for the other charges. Following a related investigation, another suspect was charged in July for allegedly stealing a vehicle used in the commission of the crime.
Police indicated that further arrests and charges may follow as the investigation develops. Additionally, Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett noted that the investigation may extend beyond national borders, as they suspect the suspects could have collaborated with criminal networks outside of Australia. The motives behind the arson attack are still under review, with officials promising more information will be disclosed in due course. The devastating fire left the Jewish community in shock, highlighting the need for thorough policing in the area.