Wael Khoder pleads not guilty to Eden tobacconist firebombing

Wael Khoder, 25, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the firebombing of Eden Tobacconist and Giftware. The incident occurred in the early hours of February 12, 2026.

Khoder faces several charges, including destroying property by fire in the company of another to a value exceeding $5,000, being a passenger in a suspected stolen vehicle, and damaging property with the intent to participate in a group's criminal activity. He was arrested and extradited from Victoria in March following an investigation by NSW Police.

A co-accused, described as a 16-year-old young person from Victoria, was allegedly implicated via CCTV and mobile phone video evidence, though an extradition request for the minor was refused. Khoder is currently on strict conditional bail with requirements to report to Auburn Police Station daily and adhere to a curfew.