MELBOURNE — Police charged a third suspect with an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. Investigators allege that Iran's Revolutionary Guard directed the arson attack, which occurred on Dec. 6, 2024.

The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team charged an unnamed 20-year-old man with offenses including arson. He has been identified as one of three masked individuals who entered the Adass Israel Synagogue, poured flammable liquid inside, and set it on fire. The fire damaged the synagogue's interior, and one worshipper sustained minor injuries from the fire.

The man was charged at a Melbourne detention facility where he was already being held. The newly charged suspect is scheduled to appear in court next week. Giovanni Laulu, 21, was arrested in July 2025 as a co-accused in the case, and Younes Ali Younes, 20, was arrested in August 2025 as another co-accused.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran's Revolutionary Guard of directing the Adass Israel Synagogue fire. He also stated that the Revolutionary Guard directed an arson attack at Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation's director-general, Mike Burgess, stated, "The Revolutionary Guard used a complex web of proxies to hide its involvement in both antisemitic attacks." The Iranian government has denied allegations regarding its involvement in the arson attacks.

Australia expelled Iran's ambassador to Australia and three other Iranian diplomats following the accusations. Police are investigating whether the three suspects knew the individuals who ordered the attack. Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police Peter Crozier said, "They may not actually be aware of the people who are directing or the principals of these investigations. That remains a key line of inquiry for us." Police informed the local Jewish community of the third arrest before the information was made public.