A 21-year-old man from Werribee has been charged in connection with the arson attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue late last year.
He faces charges of arson, endangering life, and motor vehicle theft following his arrest and interrogation yesterday.
According to police, the man is alleged to be one of three individuals who broke into the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea on December 6 last year and ignited a fire that caused extensive damage to the property.
AFP Probes Offshore Criminal Links as Joint Counter Terrorism Team Raids Homes Across Melbourne
The man was taken into custody at a Werribee residence during one of seven coordinated raids across Melbourne carried out by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) yesterday.
Police confirmed that multiple items, including electronic devices, were seized from properties in Point Cook, Toorak, Airport West, Hadfield, Werribee, Weir Views, and Coburg.
Authorities said further arrests and charges are anticipated in the coming days.
The Werribee man is scheduled to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
In Victoria, arson carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, while motor vehicle theft and conduct endangering life each carry penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Earlier, on July 16, police charged another man in connection with the alleged theft of a vehicle believed to have been used to travel to the synagogue on the night of the blaze.
Yesterday, the AFP announced it is investigating possible links to overseas criminals as part of its search for those behind the attack.
Our investigation extends beyond Australia and includes examining the role of offshore criminals,” AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated.
She added that these individuals are believed to have collaborated with associates in Victoria to carry out the arson attack.
The motive remains under review, with further details to be shared at an appropriate time.
Leave a Reply