**Iranian Involvement in Australian Synagogue Attack Revealed Through Financial Trail**
By Kirsty Needham for Reuters
In a significant diplomatic move, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expelled Iran’s ambassador following revelations from intelligence agencies that the Iranian government orchestrated antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. The expulsion marks a strong stance against what has been identified as hostile covert activities by Tehran, echoing similar concerns raised by other Western nations.
The investigation, spearheaded by Australia’s intelligence agency, uncovered a financial trail linking the arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue to Iranian operatives. This revelation has brought to light the complex web of intermediaries used by Tehran to mask its involvement in such activities. The incident in question involved a 20-year-old local, Younes Ali Younes, who appeared in Melbourne’s Magistrates Court, charged with setting fire to the Adass Israel synagogue on 6 December, as well as stealing a car. Younes did not enter a plea and refrained from seeking bail. His legal representative declined to comment on the case.
Prime Minister Albanese, addressing the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, detailed how the intelligence agencies traced the funding back to Iran. He explained that the investigation meticulously followed a series of financial transactions, both domestic and international, leading to what he described as a “supply chain” linked to the Iranian regime. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) confirmed the involvement of Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in orchestrating these attacks.
The expulsion of Iran’s ambassador was accompanied by a discreet withdrawal of Australian diplomats from Iran, ensuring their safe departure just after midnight. This decisive action was publicly announced with Albanese flanked by key figures from Australia’s intelligence and foreign affairs sectors, drawing praise from Israel for the firm response.
Iran, however, has categorically denied the accusations. The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement rejecting Australia’s claims, maintaining that the allegations are unfounded. Despite Tehran’s denial, the evidence presented by Australian authorities paints a different picture. The turning point in the investigation came with the seizure of mobile phones and digital devices from suspects in Victoria, which provided crucial insights into the orchestration of the attack.
CCTV footage from the night of the attack reveals three hooded individuals unloading jerry cans of fuel from a stolen blue Volkswagen Golf sedan. One of the individuals, wielding an axe, is seen setting the synagogue ablaze before fleeing the scene. The attack, which endangered lives, was carried out while people were inside the A$20 million synagogue, though fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The investigation also led to the arrest of Giovanni Laulu, 21, who faces similar charges. The stolen sedan, referred to by police as a “communal crime car,” was linked to other non-political attacks, highlighting the broader criminal network at play. During a press conference in July, the Australian Federal Police’s then deputy commissioner Krissy Barrett described the attack as politically motivated, involving offshore criminals collaborating with local associates in Victoria.
The investigation is part of a broader effort involving the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand. This collaboration underscores the international dimension of the threat posed by Iranian-backed activities. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasised the complexity of the operation, noting that those involved locally may not have been aware of the ultimate orchestrators behind the attack.
Australia’s response is part of a wider trend among Western nations confronting Iran’s covert operations. In recent years, countries such as Britain and Sweden have reported similar activities, with London claiming to have disrupted 20 Iran-linked plots since 2022. A dozen other countries have condemned what they perceive as a surge in assassination, kidnapping, and harassment plots attributed to Iranian intelligence services.
The broader geopolitical implications of these revelations are significant. Iran’s use of criminal proxies to conduct operations abroad has raised concerns about the reach and influence of its intelligence apparatus. The expulsion of Iran’s ambassador by Australia is a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated, and it aligns with actions taken by other nations facing similar threats.
While the immediate focus remains on the Melbourne synagogue attack, the investigation continues to explore other potential incidents linked to Iranian operatives. The Australian authorities are committed to dismantling the networks facilitating these activities, working closely with international partners to ensure regional security.
As the legal proceedings against Younes and Laulu unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by state-sponsored terrorism and the importance of international cooperation in countering such activities. The Australian government’s decisive action reflects its commitment to safeguarding its citizens and upholding the rule of law in the face of external threats.
