The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT)—comprising Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)—today unveiled CCTV images of the suspects believed responsible for the politically motivated arson attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue on 6 December 2024.
Authorities are urging anyone who recognises the three hooded offenders or who had access to a distinctive blue 2020 VW Golf sedan to contact Crime Stoppers or the National Security Hotline.
“This is no normal crime and that is why it is being investigated by the JCTT with the full force and capability of Victoria Police, the AFP and ASIO,” warned AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt.
“Do not stay silent—come forward.”
Chilling new footage
The released footage shows the blue Golf circling the synagogue in Caulfield multiple times before parking at the main entrance. Three masked individuals emerge, wielding an axe to breach the door, then ferry red jerry cans back and forth to douse the lobby in accelerant. One trip inside sees the suspects ignite the liquid before fleeing in the stolen vehicle toward Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Investigators confirm the same Golf—fitted with cloned plates—was used in at least two other violent incidents: the Lux nightclub arson in South Yarra (November 2024) and an arson-and-shooting in Bundoora on the night of the synagogue attack.
While the synagogue act remains under a terrorism investigation, the nightclub fire and Bundoora shooting are being treated as non-politically motivated crimes by Victoria Police.
“Fire is absolutely uncontrollable, and the sheer recklessness of this offending cannot be tolerated,”
said Victoria Police Counter Terrorism Command Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh.
Mounting law-and-order fears
Critics argue the synagogue attack—and subsequent violent crimes linked by the same vehicle—expose deeper failings in Victoria’s law enforcement and community safety. Despite repeated public appeals and the high-profile nature of the incident, no arrests have been made nearly six months after the fire, leaving some community leaders calling for faster action.
“It is only luck that stands between a fire that damages property and a fire that kills dozens of people,”
Assistant Commissioner Walsh stressed.
Community advocates say the state’s court backlogs and stretched police resources risk undermining public trust.
“Victorians deserve the confidence that justice is swift and effective,” said Rabbi Yaakov Glasman of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria.
“Delay only amplifies fear,”
he added.
Relentless pursuit continues
Both Assistant Commissioners Nutt and Walsh emphasised that the JCTT has reviewed more than 1,400 CCTV feeds and pulled in intelligence from multiple agencies. They praised the Jewish community and wider public for providing footage and tips, but warned that the suspects remain dangerous.
“We suspect some of the individuals involved are extremely violent,” Commissioner Nutt said.
“I remind those involved that the penalty for terrorism is life imprisonment… It is just a matter of time before police knock on your door.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has yet to comment directly on the synagogue arson, but faced questions in parliament over whether the state was doing enough to protect faith communities and prevent extremist violence.
How you can help
Anyone with information on the Adass Israel Synagogue arson—or who can place the blue VW Golf in their vicinity last December—is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, submit a confidential tip at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au, or contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
The joint investigation remains active, as Victoria’s top counter-terrorism authorities vow to bring those responsible to justice and restore community confidence in public safety.
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