Cops investigating foreign criminals' role in Melbourne synagogue attack

Arrest made in relation to Adass Israel Synagogue attack

Police have arrested a man over the firebombing of Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue in December last year, as they investigate whether the attack could have been orchestrated from overseas.

AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett today revealed a global investigation was underway to track the criminals responsible for ordering the arson attack.

"Our investigation is not limited to Australia. It involves exploring criminals offshore," Barrett said.

A 21-year-old Werribee man was arrested in relation to the synagogue attack.

"We suspect these criminals worked with criminal associates in Victoria to carry out the arson attack.

"The motivation is still being assessed and we will make further comments at an appropriate time about that."

A 21-year-old Werribee man is expected to be questioned by police today after he was arrested by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism team in relation to the firebombing.

Police will allege the man was one of three individuals who broke into the Ripponlea Synagogue and started the fire on December 6.

AFP Deputy Commissioner National Security Krissy Barrett today revealed a global investigation was underway to track the criminals responsible for ordering the arson attack.

The synagogue, in Melbourne's south-east, was left gutted by the blaze in an attack that deeply rocked the local Jewish community.

It's understood the man could face charges including arson, conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle.

Further arrests and charges are expected soon, police said.

Alongside the arrest, detectives today executed seven search warrants in Point Cook, Toorak, Airport West, Hadfield, Werribee, Weir Views, and Coburg.

Various items, including electronic devices, were seized.

The Adass Israel Synagogue was left gutted after a suspicious blaze in December, leaving the Jewish community in deep shock.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion KC said the arrest brought "long-awaited comfort and reassurance" to the community.

"It is ominous that police are continuing to treat the despicable firebombing of the Adass synagogue as politically motivated," Aghion said.

"Such attacks are a danger to all Australians.

"We thank the police for their painstaking efforts to date and hope that further arrests will be made in the near future so that all the offenders, including the masterminds, are swiftly brought to justice."

Only then will a deterrent be established against this sort of chilling behaviour."

On July 16, police charged another man over allegedly stealing a car which is alleged to have been used to drive to the synagogue on the night of the fire.

The offence of arson carries a maximum penalty of 15 years' jail, while theft of a motor vehicle and conduct endangering life both carry a maximum 10-year sentence.

The arrested man is expected to be questioned over his involvement in the firebombing attack.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said assistance from the public had been "absolutely crucial" in the investigation.

"We know there are people out there with information that will progress this investigation – whether that is people we have already spoken to or others who are yet to come forward," Steendam said.

"Again, I appeal for those people to contact police. If you have any details at all about those involved and their motivation, then we want to hear from you.

"Even the smallest detail or piece of information could prove crucial."

Barrett said the investigation, which is being treated as a "politically-motivated crime", remains a top priority for all agencies involved.

"We will not let this go unpunished in Australia. And that's why we have responded with relentless determination to pursue those responsible and hold them to account.

"This crime was despicable as it was dangerous, and it is important to acknowledge that this was not just an arson on a synagogue.

"The effect of this crime has rippled through a community that continues to be targeted by criminals.

"We will not stand for this, and I want to reassure the public that this is not just a priority investigation for the JCTT, but also for the AFP."

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