On December 6, the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea was the target of a firebomb attack, prompting a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Following the incident, CCTV footage was released showing a blue 2020 Volkswagen Golf, believed to be connected to the attack.
A 20-year-old man has since been charged for allegedly stealing this Volkswagen, which police claim was involved not only in the synagogue arson but also in other criminal activities. He was arrested in Williamstown, and police executed a search warrant at a residence in Melton South. The charges include theft of a motor vehicle and failure to comply with an order regarding mobile phone access. The accused was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on October 3. It is alleged that he stole the car on November 29.
The blue Golf has been linked to other incidents, including the arson of Lux Nightclub in South Yarra and a shooting incident in Bundoora, occurring on the same night as the synagogue attack. The car had cloned number plates and was previously seized by police. CCTV footage from May showed the vehicle repeatedly passing the synagogue before parking outside its entrance on December 6. The footage captures three individuals in hoodies exiting the car, using an axe to damage the synagogue’s entrance, and then pouring liquid from jerry cans before entering the premises.
Authorities suspect that the attack on the synagogue was politically motivated, whereas the nightclub fire and shooting are being investigated by Victoria Police and are not believed to be politically driven. The recent arrest comes after months of stagnation in the investigation, with no prior arrests associated with the December synagogue attack. Up until now, there have been no terrorism-related charges in connection to the firebombing.
The police are urging anyone with information about the synagogue attack to come forward, noting that there are multiple individuals involved, some of whom may pose significant risks due to their violent tendencies. Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt highlighted the seriousness of terrorism charges, which carry severe penalties up to life imprisonment.