A Melbourne defence manufacturing facility targeted in a fiery attack is now at the centre of a terrorism investigation, with authorities alleging the incident was carried out by suspected far-left extremists motivated by anarchist and revolutionary ideologies.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has released new images of the suspects accused of attacking Lovitt Technologies in Greensborough at about 3.55am on 5 July 2025.
Investigators allege the group vandalised the business, set multiple vehicles on fire and later posted an online video claiming responsibility for the attack.
According to police, those featured in the video were dressed in black hooded jumpers, backpacks and gloves. Authorities allege the video expressed opposition to the Australian Government, outlined grievances in support of Palestine, and included instructions on how to construct an incendiary device similar to the one believed to have been used in the attack.
The JCTT alleges the offenders targeted the company because they believed it formed part of the broader Australian Defence Force supply chain.
Following the attack, investigators say the suspects fled through a rear fence before travelling south-west along the Plenty River on e-bikes. Police are appealing to motorists who were in the area at the time to provide dashcam footage.
The investigation is being led by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
If convicted, those responsible could face life imprisonment for engaging in a terrorist act under the Commonwealth Criminal Code, as well as offences relating to preparing or planning terrorist acts.
AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall described the alleged attack as extremely serious and warned investigators were closing in on those responsible.
“We clearly have some information about these alleged offenders and are focused on identifying who they are,” Det Supt Hall said.
“At any time, we could be knocking on the door of the accused group. We know this is making some in the group anxious – and it should, because we are determined to bring them before the courts.”
He said the AFP and its partners would not tolerate acts of terrorism motivated by extremist ideologies intended to spread fear within the community.
Victoria Police Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Wheatfill said the attack posed a significant risk to public safety.
“All companies and their employees have the right to go about their daily business safely and securely. Community safety is paramount and continues to be a key focus of this investigation,” he said.
“That anyone would use such violent and dangerous methods to express a political or social viewpoint is unacceptable.”
He added that fire was unpredictable and that offences of this nature had the potential to cause death or serious injury.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the attack to contact police immediately.
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