Man Charged Over Car Used in Synagogue Arson

A 20-year-old man has been charged with stealing a blue VW Golf allegedly used in the politically motivated arson of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024, as well as in an arson at the Lux nightclub and a shooting in Bundoora. The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, involving Victoria Police, AFP, and ASIO, is treating the synagogue attack as a terrorism case and has not arrested those directly responsible for the arson. The investigation has reportedly stalled due to the use of encrypted technology by the perpetrators. The suspect was also charged with failing to provide access to mobile phone apps and was granted conditional bail, with a court appearance set for October. The stolen car, described by police as a 'communal crime car,' had cloned plates and was caught on CCTV at the crime scene. Police continue to seek further information from the public.