This is a joint release between the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has charged a third man over the alleged Adass Israel Synagogue arson attack in December 2024.
The Airport West man, 20, has been charged with criminal damage by fire (Arson), contrary to section 197 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), 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 Airport West man was charged by JCTT investigators today (Friday, 19 June, 2026) at the Metropolitan Remand Centre, where he is in custody for unrelated offences.
He is expected to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court next Tuesday (23 June, 2026).
It will be alleged the Airport West 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 all 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 allegedly broke into the synagogue and set the fire.
On 21 August, 2025, the JCTT charged a Meadow Heights man, 20, for his alleged role as one of the three individuals who broke into the synagogue and set the fire.
The JCTT also charged a Melton South man, 20, on 16 July, 2025, for allegedly stealing a communal crime car, which is alleged to have been used to drive to the synagogue on 6 December, 2024.
Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul O'Halloran said that identifying those who are involved in anti-semitic attacks of any nature remains a priority for Victoria Police.
"While over 18 months have passed since the fire at the Adass synagogue, we have remained firmly focused on ensuring those who bring harm to our community are put before the court.
"It doesn't matter what role someone may play, if you are involved in an incident such as this then I can assure you police and our partner agencies will do everything we can to fully investigate and hold you to account for your actions.
"It's clear these incidents are designed to create fear and distress, when people of all faiths and backgrounds deserve to feel safe in our state.
"We've also seen first-hand here in the past few years how dangerous and unpredictable fire can be, and arson attacks like this can easily end in death or serious injury.
"I want to reassure the public again that these investigations remain a priority for Victoria Police and to thank the Jewish community for their assistance and support thus far."
AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier said that the AFP, together with Victoria Police and ASIO, had remained laser focused on identifying those responsible for the attack on the Jewish community and to prosecute those responsible.
"Today, the Victoria JCTT is able to confirm that we have identified and charged those we allege attended the synagogue and carried out this deplorable attack," Assistant Commissioner Crozier said.
"There is no understating the fear and genuine sense of unease this crime created in our society.
"Operation Hilfield reached this point today thanks to significant assistance from the community. Now, we again, ask the community for their help.
"We can reveal that we believe some individuals have actively lied to the JCTT, likely in an attempt to hinder our investigation.
"Let me be very clear. You will not obstruct justice. Now is the time for you to come forward and do the right thing.
Information can be provided by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at the Crime Stoppers Victoria website. A confidential report can also be made to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
