Second man charged over Adass Israel Synagogue arson attack

A 20-year-old Meadow Heights man has been charged over the alleged arson attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue in December 2024.

The man was arrested today by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), a partnership between the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

He has been charged with criminal damage by fire (arson) under section 197(1) of the Crimes Act 1958, conduct endangering life under section 22 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), and theft of a motor vehicle under section 74 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). The maximum penalty for arson is 15 years’ imprisonment, while the other two offences each carry penalties of up to 10 years’ jail.

Police make the arrest in Meadow Heights for alleged involvement in the Adass arson attack

The charges follow a search warrant executed at a Meadow Heights home on 14 August. Police seized a number of items, including electronic devices, which are undergoing forensic examination.

The man remains in custody and is expected to appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court next Wednesday, 27 August 2025.

Police allege he is one of three people who broke into the Ripponlea synagogue and deliberately set the fire. Under Operation Hilfield, the JCTT has now charged two of the three alleged arsonists accused of directly lighting the blaze. The synagogue suffered severe damage in the attack, with priceless religious artefacts, including centuries-old Torah scrolls, lost in the blaze.

On 30 July this year, a 21-year-old Werribee man was charged over his alleged role in the synagogue attack. In July 2024, a 20-year-old Melton South man was charged with allegedly stealing a communal crime car used to drive to the synagogue on 6 December 2024.

Investigators believe the same blue Volkswagen Golf sedan used in the synagogue attack was also used in the LUX Nightclub arson on 21 November 2024. In May this year, a 20-year-old Pakenham man was charged by Victoria Police over the nightclub fire. Footage released earlier this year depicts masked individuals using axes to breach the synagogue and ferry petrol inside before igniting it.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism Tess Walsh said investigators were determined to ensure all those involved in the “dangerous offending” were 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,” she said.

“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.”

AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Nick Read said the JCTT remained committed to pursuing those responsible.

“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,” he 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.” The first suspect charged was 21‑year‑old Giovanni Laulu who appeared in court in late July. He did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody. Prosecutors have until 22 October 2025 to analyze and disclose evidence, especially from 11 seized cell phones.

Authorities have confirmed the attack is being treated as a politically motivated, or potentially terrorism, offence. Investigators are probing possible orchestration from overseas, including potential links to exiled criminal kingpin Kazem “Kaz” Hamad, believed to be in Dubai. The investigating team is maintaining regular engagement with community representatives as enquiries progress.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact 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.