Outline:
The Blue Car at the Center of a Major Investigation
A blue Volkswagen Golf has become a central focus in an ongoing investigation into the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue. Police have released new footage revealing how the car was allegedly used in a series of violent crimes, including a drive-by shooting and arson attacks, raising concerns about its potential involvement in broader criminal activity.
The Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, located in Melbourne’s south-east, was attacked on December 6. According to Victoria Police, the same blue Golf was involved in a drive-by shooting in Bundoora the same night and an arson attack that destroyed a popular nightclub two weeks earlier. While these other incidents are not believed to be politically motivated, the synagogue fire is being investigated by counter-terrorism detectives as an attack on the Jewish community. However, no evidence has been found linking the incident to a foreign state actor or terror group.
In the newly released CCTV footage, three hooded figures wearing masks are seen jumping out of the blue Golf and carrying red jerry cans between the car and the synagogue. They use an axe to break open the doors and pour accelerant inside. One man with a white mask films the entire event on his mobile phone before a massive fireball erupts, and the attackers flee back to the car and drive away towards Melbourne’s west.
Detectives from a joint counter-terrorism taskforce, including members from Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and ASIO, have reviewed footage from over 1400 locations to track the suspects’ movements. They believe the jerry cans used in the attack were purchased from a Bunnings Warehouse and filled with approximately 100 litres of petrol.
Stephen Nutt, AFP’s assistant commissioner for counter-terrorism and special investigations command, stated that multiple offenders are suspected to be linked to the attack. “We suspect some of the individuals involved are extremely violent,” he said.
The same blue Golf was also used in a drive-by shooting and arson attack in Bundoora on the same night as the synagogue fire. Two weeks prior, the vehicle was involved in the Lux Nightclub fire in South Yarra, which caused over $10 million in damage. During dawn raids on Thursday, police arrested two men aged 22 and 21 in Pakenham over the nightclub attack. The 22-year-old has since been charged with seven offences, including criminal damage by fire, and was remanded in custody.
Victoria Police clarified that there is no indication the arrested men were directly involved in the synagogue fire. However, the blue Golf has been connected to several other crimes, including aggravated burglaries and petrol drive-offs across Melbourne. It was seized by police in December with cloned number plates, but none of these crimes are currently considered politically motivated.
Tess Walsh, assistant commissioner of Victoria Police Counter-terrorism Command, described the link between the blue Golf and the synagogue case as a breakthrough. She noted that the car had been on “high rotation” for various serious crimes and may have been used by different people and groups after it was stolen in November.
While the only connection found so far between the other crimes and the synagogue fire is the car, all cases are being investigated separately. Police are also looking into whether the Lux nightclub attack is related to recent arson attacks at properties linked to the Comanchero bikies.
Initially deemed a likely terror attack, the synagogue firebombing is still under investigation. Stephen Nutt said that while terrorism has not been ruled out, it remains a key part of the inquiry. In February, it was revealed that authorities were investigating whether the attack was carried out using the same gangland infrastructure associated with previous tobacco war arson attacks.
Australia’s spy agency, ASIO, has expressed concerns that hostile states might be using profit-driven crime gangs to advance their strategic interests. Police have urged anyone who recognizes the alleged arsonists or the blue Golf to come forward.
“I want to reassure Victorians, particularly those in the Jewish community, that we remain fully committed to finding those responsible for this act and holding them to account,” Walsh said.
In New South Wales, police have determined that a caravan found loaded with explosives and multiple antisemitic attacks in Sydney’s east were “con jobs” orchestrated by powerful crime figures. These actions were likely intended to distract police or influence a prosecution rather than being racially motivated hate crimes or terror plots.
Benjamin Klein, a board member of Adass Israel, shared the community’s distress over the attack. “It was quite confronting to think about 100 litres of petrol being used,” he said. A man who was inside the synagogue during the attack and managed to escape unharmed was also deeply shaken by the footage.
As the investigation continues, police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify those responsible.