Latest news with #CrimesAct1914
Sky News AU
17-07-2025
- Sky News AU
Man, 20, arrested and charged over theft of vehicle used in arson attack on synagogue in Melbourne
A man has been charged by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) for his alleged role in the theft of a vehicle, which was later used by the alleged criminals in the Adass Israel Synagogue arson attack. The JCTT which is comprised of Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation maintains the position that the attack on the synagogue, which occurred on December 6, was likely a politically-motivated attack. A 20-year-old man was arrested at Williamstown on Wednesday, before a search warrant was executed at a home in Melton South were items were seized by investigators. The man was charged with theft of motor vehicle and failing to comply with an order under section 3LA of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) to provide access to applications on his mobile telephone. It is alleged that he stole the blue 2020-model VW Golf sedan at Melton on November 29 before it was used in the alleged arson attack the following week. The Golf was also used in other offences including the Lux nightclub arson at South Yarra in November 2024, and an arson and shooting in Bundoora on the same night of the synagogue arson. "The nightclub fire and shooting are being investigated by Victoria Police and are not considered politically-motivated attacks," a police statement read. "The investigation into the Ripponlea synagogue fire continues to be treated as a priority by police, including the involvement of significant resources across all agencies. "The JCTT is also regularly engaging with relevant communities in relation to the status of the investigation."
Herald Sun
09-05-2025
- Herald Sun
Registered child sex offender Maloni Saravu Tikolevu accused of possessing child abuse material on Google Drive
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News. A Chester Hill man who was convicted of possessing child abuse material has landed before the courts again after police allegedly uncovered an image saved to a Google Drive. Maloni Saravu Tikolevu faced Bankstown Local Court on Thursday, charged with one count of possessing or controlling child abuse data using a carriage service. He is yet to enter a plea on his charge. On Thursday, the 31-year-old made an application for bail. It is alleged on March 27, Tikolevu created an image considered to be child abuse material and saved it to a Google Drive. Police prosecutor acting sergeant Wade, on behalf of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecution, told the court the alleged offending came five years after Tikolevu was first convicted in 2019 for possessing child abuse material. He is registered under the Child Protection Register. The court was told on August 14, as part of reporting obligations under the Child Protection Register, Tikolevu attended Bankstown Police Station where he was reminded of his obligations including not to produce or possess child abuse material. Tikolevu's Legal Aid solicitor Ashley Chan told the court that should bail be granted, his client would not have access to his mobile phone because it was in police custody and strict bail conditions prohibiting him from obtaining other mobile devices could be enforced. Mr Chan said his client, who is unemployed, was undergoing counselling with a Newcastle-based church group and was seeking to relocate there for rehabilitation. Under the Crimes Act 1914, the court must deny bail for people charged with certain Commonwealth child sex offences – including possession of child abuse material – unless special circumstances exist to grant bail. 'The exploitation of children, simply put, is about supply and demand,' Acting Sgt Wade said. 'The seeking out and wanting of these horrible images are what props up an industry that abuses children. 'That he (allegedly) breaches the trust of the community in (allegedly) possessing child abuse material, the court could not find confidence he would not commit further offences.' Magistrate Glenn Walsh noted while Tikolevu had a limited criminal history, it was a history of similar offending. 'It is a very strong prosecution case,' Mr Walsh said. 'And if convicted, is likely to receive full time custodial sentence.' He denied bail, stating he was not satisfied special circumstances existed in Tikolevu's case. He was remanded behind bars to appear via video link at the Downing Centre on Tuesday. Originally published as Chester Hill tegistered child sex offender Maloni Saravu Tikolevu accused of possessing child abuse material
