Police in Melbourne have arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of being involved in the arson attack that destroyed the Adass Israel Synagogue last December
The early morning fire damaged the building and left one person with minor burns.
Authorities believe the act was politically motivated and part of a larger trend of rising antisemitic incidents across Australia.
The arrest marks progress in an investigation led by the Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which includes state and federal police along with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
Investigators have spent over 50,000 hours on the case so far.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, was taken into custody on Wednesday at a residential property in Melbourne.
He is being questioned about multiple offenses, including arson, endangering life, and vehicle theft. These charges carry serious penalties, with arson alone potentially leading to 15 years in prison.
Authorities believe other individuals were involved, including offshore collaborators.
Another suspect, aged 20, was previously charged with stealing the car used in the incident, though he has not been linked directly to the arson itself.
Police have not disclosed the identity or location of the international suspects, but confirmed that cooperation is ongoing with intelligence partners from the Five Eyes alliance, which includes Australia, the US, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand.
The synagogue attack is the only incident in the country so far officially treated as a terrorist act following a rise in antisemitic incidents since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
The Australian government has pledged AU$30 million for the synagogue’s reconstruction.
Jewish community leaders welcomed the arrest and called for continued efforts to ensure all responsible parties are brought to justice.