Third man charged over alleged Adass Israel Synagogue arson
Victorian counter-terrorism investigators have charged a third man over the alleged arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in December 2024.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) said a 20-year-old Airport West man was formally accused on Friday over the alleged attack at the Ripponlea synagogue.
Adass Israel Synagogue after the alleged arson attack
He has been charged with criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle.
The arson charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment. Conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
The man was charged at the Metropolitan Remand Centre, where he is in custody on unrelated matters. He is expected to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
Police will allege the Airport West man was one of three people who broke into the synagogue and deliberately set it on fire.
Under Operation Hilfield, the JCTT has now charged all three alleged offenders accused of directly setting the synagogue alight.
A 21-year-old Werribee man was charged on 30 July 2025 over his alleged role in the attack. A 20-year-old Meadow Heights man was charged on 21 August 2025.
A 20-year-old Melton South man was also charged on 16 July 2025 over the alleged theft of a communal crime car, which police allege was used to drive to the synagogue on 6 December 2024.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier said the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO had remained focused on identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
Assistant Commissioner Crozier (photo: Facebook)
“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.”
Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul O’Halloran said identifying those involved in antisemitic attacks remained 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,” Acting Assistant Commissioner O’Halloran said.
“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.”
The JCTT is made up of the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online through Crime Stoppers Victoria. A confidential report can also be made to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
