This is a joint media release between the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO
Editor's note: Images and grabs included on Hightail link here.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) is investigating an attack on a Melbourne defence manufacturer as an act of terrorism, potentially orchestrated by far-left extremists with anarchist and revolutionary ideologies.
The JCTT is today releasing new images of the suspects who are accused of targeting Lovitt Technologies at 3.55am on Saturday, 5 July, 2025, vandalising the business and setting alight multiple vehicles on the property.
The JCTT alleges the extremist group posted an online video claiming responsibility for the attack. In the post, members wore black hooded jumpers, backpacks and gloves.
Members of the group voiced their opposition to the Australian Government and advised how to create an incendiary device similar to the one suspected of creating a fire that damaged vehicles at the Greensborough business.
The alleged offenders outlined a number of grievances in support of Palestine and are accused of targeting the company in the belief it was part of a broader Australian Defence Force supply chain.
After the attack on the business, the alleged offenders left via a back fence and travelled on e-bikes south-west along Plenty River. Motorists who were in the area at the time and have dashcam footage are urged to come forward.
Members of the community who have knowledge of the offenders or the attack are urged to come forward.
The JCTT, which includes the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO, is investigating whether the perpetrators were far-left extremists, motivated by anarchist and revolutionary ideologies.
If convicted, the offenders could be facing life imprisonment for the following offences:
Engage in a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth), and,
Other acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts, contrary to section 101.6 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall said the alleged attack was serious and those who had information should immediately come forward.
"We clearly have some information about these alleged offenders and are focused on identifying who they are,'' Det Supt Hall said.
"At any time, we could be knocking on the door of the accused group. We know this is making some in the group anxious - and it should, because we are determined to bring them before the courts.
"These alleged offenders could be facing a significant term of imprisonment.
"We cannot overstate the seriousness of this criminality and the AFP, together with our partners, will not tolerate acts of terror motivated by extremist ideologies aiming to cause fear and anguish in our community."
Victoria Police Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Wheatfill said the attack had the potential to put the wider community at significant risk.
"All companies and their employees have the right to go about their daily business safely and securely. Community safety is paramount and continues to be a key focus of this investigation.
"That anyone would use such violent and dangerous methods to express a political or social viewpoint is unacceptable.
"Fire is dangerous and unpredictable and criminal offending of this nature - which has the potential to significantly impact our community and lead to deaths or serious injury - will not be tolerated."
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