Incident Overview
Mason Staver, a 35-year-old former real estate agent, was arrested on Tuesday after a police raid on his Abbotsford home uncovered a suspected bomb, a loaded sawn-off shotgun hidden under his daughter's cot, and other weapons and drugs. The search, conducted by the Yarra Crime Investigation Unit, led to the evacuation of nearby residents and the involvement of bomb squad officers.
Charges and Evidence
Staver faces charges including trafficking firearms, possessing ammunition, possessing weapons as a prohibited person, vehicle theft, and possessing drugs of dependence.
The police allegedly found:
- A suspected bomb with thick steel piping, steel caps, and an antenna device under the carpet.
- A second similar device without metal caps and ignition device.
- Two black bags in the dining room containing a machete, wooden sheath, and firearm parts.
- A loaded double-barrel sawn-off shotgun under a cot mattress.
- A black bag with 20 shotgun shells, ammunition cartridges, and three imitation firearms.
- A safe containing another gun, cash, and drugs.
- Small quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and magic mushrooms.
- False number plates.
Police linked Staver to a stolen white Range Rover, found abandoned 500 meters from his home in March 2025, containing a loaded handgun, an airgun, a gas mask, mobile phones, and a letter addressed to Staver. CCTV footage showed a man resembling Staver near the scene.
Statements in Court
"Police hold grave concerns that the accused offending is escalating."
The court heard that Staver's father, Arch Staver, a prominent auctioneer, testified in support of his son's bail application. Arch Staver stated his son had substance abuse issues in 2014 but had sought treatment and excelled in his career. He said the toddler-aged daughter lives with Staver's ex-partner and never stays at the raided home.
Background
Mason Staver previously worked for Nelson Alexander real estate agency; his license expired in 2022. He attended North Fitzroy primary school and Xavier College.
Next Steps
A decision on bail is expected on Friday. Further charges may be laid as investigations continue.