The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has charged a second man over the alleged Adass Israel Synagogue arson attack in December 2024.
The Meadow Heights man, 20, has been charged with criminal damage by fire (Arson), contrary to section 197(1) of the Crimes Act 1958, conduct endangering life under section 22 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) and theft of motor vehicle under section 74 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic).
The offence of arson carries a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment, while the offence of theft of motor vehicle and conduct endangering life both carry a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
The Meadow Heights man was charged by JCTT investigators today (21 August, 2025), after executing a search warrant at a Meadow Heights home last Thursday (14 August, 2025). Police seized a number of items, including electronic devices, which are undergoing forensic examination.
He remains remanded in custody and is expected to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court next Wednesday (27 August, 2025).
It will be alleged the Meadow Heights man is one of three individuals who broke into the Ripponlea synagogue and deliberately set the fire. Under Operation Hilfield, the JCTT has now charged two of the three alleged offenders accused of directly setting the synagogue on fire.
On 30 July, 2025, the JCTT charged a Werribee man, 21, for his alleged role as one of the three individuals who broke into the synagogue and set the fire.
On 16 July, 2024, 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 on 6 December, 2024.
It is believed the blue Volkswagen Golf sedan that was used on 6 December, 2024, in the arson attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea is the same vehicle used in the LUX Nightclub arson attack on 21 November, 2024.
On 15 May, 2025, Victoria Police charged a 20-year-old Pakenham man in relation to the LUX Nightclub incident.
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 enquiry 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."
The JCTT, which includes Victoria Police, AFP and ASIO, continues to regularly engage relevant communities in relation to the status of the investigation, which is continuing to be treated as a politically-motivated attack.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact investigators.
Information can be provided by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. A confidential report can also be made to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
