The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has intensified its efforts to apprehend a man believed to be involved in a plot with foreign operatives to orchestrate the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue. This suspect has now been identified as the agency’s top priority.

In her inaugural keynote speech as AFP Commissioner, Krissy Barrett highlighted the growing menace posed by foreign entities and criminal networks that aim to challenge Australia’s democratic principles and societal unity.

Speaking at the National Press Club, Barrett cited an individual suspected of multiple arson incidents linked to illicit tobacco operations in Australia. This same individual is now under investigation for a politically driven arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue.

Barrett emphasized the significance of this case, declaring it her “number one priority” in safeguarding Australia’s national security and sovereignty.

“This individual represents a serious national security threat,” Barrett stated. “Among all the alleged threats to Australia, he stands at the forefront of my priorities, and I’ve assigned my most seasoned investigators to pursue him.”

“Of all the alleged criminals accused of threatening Australia, he is my number one priority, and I have tasked my most experienced criminal hunters to target him.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced late in August that Iran was behind at least two antisemitic attacks in Australia, including the firebombing of Adass Israel Synagogue on December 6, which gutted the building and rocked Melbourne’s Jewish community.

Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, this week named Sardar Amar as the man who planned the antisemitic attacks in Australia, as well as Greece and Germany.

Amar is a senior commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the leader of an estimated 11,000 operatives.

“Under Amar’s command, a significant mechanism was established to promote attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets both in Israel and abroad,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Three local men, aged between 20 and 21, have been charged over last year’s firebombing in Melbourne.

Two men are alleged to have set the synagogue alight, while the third is accused of stealing and driving a car involved in the attack.