Australian Counter-Terrorism Police Charge Third Suspect in Iran-Linked Synagogue Arson
Australian federal and state authorities announced that a third suspect has been formally charged in connection with the December 2024 arson attack at Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team executed the new charges against a unnamed 20-year-old man from Airport West, who was already being held in a Melbourne prison on separate, unrelated offenses.
The latest suspect is alleged to be one of the three masked individuals who broke into the Ripponlea area facility, doused the interior with flammable liquid, and ignited a blaze that gutted two of the synagogue’s three buildings and caused minor injuries to a member of the shul preparing for Shachris.
The development follows the previous arrests of co-accused Giovanni Laulu, 21, and Younes Ali Younes, 20.
Intelligence officials maintain that the cell carried out the antisemitic attack under a complex web of foreign proxies directed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, an allegation that previously led Canberra to expel the Iranian ambassador and three other diplomats.
Law enforcement officials noted that while this third arrest marks a major milestone for Operation Hillfield, the broader investigation remains highly active.
Federal counter-terrorism teams are working closely with international partners to determine if the three local perpetrators were fully aware of the foreign intelligence apparatus ordering the hit.
Investigators also issued a stern warning to the public, stating they have identified individuals who deliberately lied during interviews to hinder the probe, emphasizing that anyone attempting to obstruct justice will be prosecuted as teams track down remaining local and international conspirators.
