A man has been taken into custody for his suspected involvement in the arson attack that severely damaged Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue last year.
Police reported that the 21-year-old from Werribee will be questioned regarding charges including arson, endangering life, and stealing a vehicle.
Authorities allege he is one of three people who broke into the Ripponlea synagogue, located in Melbourne’s south-east, and ignited the blaze in the early hours of December 6.
The fire tore through the building, prompting several occupants to escape through a rear exit. The structure was left extensively damaged.
Police are expected to provide more information soon. This arrest follows charges laid earlier this month against a 20-year-old Williamstown man, accused of stealing a car allegedly used to reach the synagogue on the night of the incident.
In May, investigators released CCTV footage showing three individuals exiting what was believed to be a stolen VW Golf. Two of them were seen pouring the contents of multiple jerry cans inside the synagogue and setting it on fire.
On Wednesday, authorities conducted seven search warrants across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs, seizing electronic devices and other items for forensic analysis.
The case is being investigated by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), which comprises Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
The JCTT is treating the fire as politically motivated and has indicated that more arrests and charges are likely.
