Overseas criminal suspects linked to synagogue firebombing probe

Police are examining exiled tobacco kingpin Kazem “Kaz” Hamad as part of investigations into whether offshore criminals worked with Victorian associates to firebomb the Adass Israel Synagogue.

The overseas investigations were confirmed after the Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team (JCTT) on Wednesday arrested a Werribee man, 21, as part of an ongoing investigation into the firebombing in Ripponlea on December 6, 2024.

Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said investigators were working with Australia’s Five Eyes security partners to ensure “our collective powers and capabilities are drawn upon”, but would not answer questions about which countries they believed the attack’s masterminds were based in.

“Our investigation is not limited to Australia. It involves exploring criminals offshore, and we suspect these criminals worked with criminal associates in Victoria to carry out the arson attack,” Barrett said.

Five Eyes is a multinational intelligence-sharing network which includes Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.

Barrett also said authorities were investigating links to exiled tobacco kingpin Kazem “Kaz” Hamad.

“That is a name that has come up in our investigation, and that remains one of our ongoing lines of inquiry,” she said.

Hamad was deported to his home country Iraq in July 2023. He has been a central figure in Melbourne’s so-called tobacco wars and spent extended time in prison.

Victoria Police alleges the 21-year-old Werribee man was one of three individuals who broke into the Ripponlea synagogue and set the fire, but would not divulge if they believed he was involved in orchestrating the attack, or if he was a low-level criminal hired to carry it out.

“I don’t think it’s good to go into the specifics of the individual,” said Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam.

“What I want to make clear today is that this investigation remains ongoing, and we anticipate there will be further arrests.”

Authorities still believe the firebombing was politically motivated, but are yet to make any arrests or charges in relation to terrorism. Barrett said investigators would not rule out upgrading charges or laying new ones.

“No offences are off the table at the moment, and we have said from the outset that we’re investigating this as a politically motivated attack,” she said.

Investigators carried out search warrants at seven homes in Melbourne at Point Cook, Toorak, Airport West, Hadfield, Werribee, Weir Views and Coburg.

The man was arrested at the Weir Views property on Melbourne’s western fringe.

When police attended the house, an AFP officer was attacked by an unrestrained dog. The officer is recovering in hospital.

“A police firearm was used to stop the attack, and the dog was later euthanised at a veterinary clinic,” Barrett said.

Various items, including phones and electronic devices, were seized during the searches and will be forensically examined, police said.

This masthead revealed earlier this month that police had so far only been able to identify low-level suspects allegedly responsible for setting the fire, who were suspected of acting as street gang members for hire, with no known political or ideological affiliations.

A 20-year-old Williamstown man was charged earlier this month over his alleged role in the theft of a blue Volkswagen Golf, which was allegedly used by those involved in the arson.

That man faces charges including theft of a motor vehicle and failing to comply with an order to provide access to apps on his mobile phone.

Steendam reaffirmed the police’s commitment to keeping the Jewish community safe.

“There is no doubt this fire was a deliberate act that left people across Victoria and the Victorian community feeling shocked, saddened and rightfully concerned,” she said.

“People deserve the right to be safe and feel safe in their community, particularly at their place of worship.”

Barrett said: “I want to thank the Jewish community across Australia, and in particular the Adass Israel Synagogue congregation, for their stoicism, patience and the support they have shown the JCTT.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion, KC, said the second arrest brought some long-awaited comfort to the Jewish community.

“We thank the police for their painstaking efforts to date and hope that further arrests will be made in the near future so that all the offenders, including the masterminds, are swiftly brought to justice,” Aghion said.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke thanked the authorities for their investigation, which has involved more than 200 officers working more than 50,000 collective hours.

“This arrest cannot undo the pain and fear,” Burke said. “This kind of hate and violence has no place in Australia.”

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said: “It’s pleasing to know that the rebuilding of the synagogue and the community centre is going ahead, and I want to commend the work of the JCTT.”

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