A real estate and investment spruiker has been charged with arson, racial vilification and several fraud charges after he allegedly set fire to a Doncaster property and posted a sign that threatened a jihad attack on the owners.
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Appearing before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning, Fabrizio Ferrari, 41 - who was charged under his previous name Fabio De Luca - did not apply for bail and was remanded to appear on January 19 for a committal hearing.
On September 19, firefighters arrived at the Doncaster property to find it engulfed in flames.
Arson and Explosive officers discovered an A4 laminated note pinned to the front of the house that carried an Islamic greeting and read in part: "ALERT . . . your time has passed".
It also read: "Only the beginning more to come here or homeland, your next move will determine our next attack. We strike above the neck."
Detective Senior Constable Victoria Boughton told the court that police would require six weeks to analyse information on several computers and phones seized from Mr Ferrari's property.
Police also seized a hole-punch and other stationery, which they believe was used to make the threatening sign.
On his Facebook page, Mr Ferrari claims to be an entrepreneur, and offers a range of financial and property investment advice.
"As an entrepreneur, one of the most highly valued characteristics you can have is to be a problem solver. Do that well and you have it made," he posted.
