Police Arrest Man Over Melbourne Synagogue Arson, Investigate Overseas Links

Australian authorities have arrested a 21-year-old man from Werribee in connection with the December firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, an attack that severely damaged the synagogue and endangered congregants. The arrest, made by the Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, is part of an ongoing investigation that suggests collaboration between overseas and local criminals, with international intelligence partners including the Five Eyes alliance involved. Police have executed multiple search warrants and seized electronic devices for forensic examination, and they expect further arrests as the investigation continues. Officials have stated that the firebombing is being treated as a politically motivated act of antisemitic violence, and they have ruled out links between this attack and other local criminal activities such as the illegal tobacco trade or a separate synagogue fire. Investigators are appealing for more information from the public to help identify all those responsible and emphasize their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable. The police have assured the Jewish community and the broader public that they are pursuing justice with relentless determination.