Police have today arrested four people as part of an investigation into a series of arson attacks on tobacco stores across Melbourne.
Warrants were executed by the Arson and Explosives Squad, VIPER Taskforce and Echo Taskforce with assistance from North West Metro police and the ABF at properties in Heidelberg, Kilmore, Flemington, Derrimut, Broadmeadows, Pascoe Vale and Glenroy.
Four people have been arrested including:
• A 33-year-old Epping man;
• A 40-year-old Kilmore man; and
• A 31-year-old Flemington woman; and
• A 43-year-old Melton man.
The quartet arrested today will now be interviewed by police.
Two people were also arrested on unrelated matters – a woman was arrested in Heidelberg on outstanding warrants and a man was arrested in Broadmeadows in relation to drug offences.
Police also seized 1.5kg of synthetic cannabis, 200 vapes and around 300 packets of illicit tobacco, plus a small quantity of cocaine.
Today’s arrests follow a series of 10 linked arson attacks on tobacco stores dating back to March this year.
Those incidents include:
• A fire at a tobacco store on Springvale Road, Springvale on 24 March where offenders attempted to set the store alight by throwing objects through the window;
• Two fires at the same tobacco store on Young Street, Moonee Ponds on 23 and 26 May where a roller door was pulled up and flaming objects were thrown into the store;
• Emergency services were called to a fire at a tobacco store on Puckle Street in Moonee Ponds on 3 June after a passer-by witnessed the blaze;
• A fire at a tobacco store on Dumfries Street, Deer Park on 17 July where it’s believed the wrong premises was targeted. A 17-year-old boy has since been charged with criminal damage by fire and arson;
• A fire at a second tobacco store on Dumfries Street on 21 July, with a further fire occurring at the same location on 1 August;
• A fire at a tobacco store on High Street, Wodonga in the early hours of 27 July;
• A fire set that same morning of 27 July at a tobacco store in Murphy Street, Wangaratta; and
• A fire at a tobacco store on Hogans Road in Hoppers Crossing on 11 August.
On the majority of occasions, no one was present at the business when it was set on fire however almost all of the fires caused significant damage.
Luckily, no one was physically injured during the fires.
Police also believe an attempted extortion of a tobacco store owner in Eltham on 26 June is linked to this series.
Four men aged between 30 and 43 and all patched members of the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) have since been charged with extortion and a range of other drug and firearm offences.
Earlier this week, VIPER Taskforce members arrested two men also connected to the Finks OMCG and seized two firearms during warrants linked to this investigation.
Investigators are looking into a range of motivations for these fires and links to a range of organised crime syndicates.
As a result of these arson attacks, Victoria Police will also look to partner with our federal counterparts including the ABF, AFP and the ATO to identify opportunities to ensure the community is kept safe and those involved in this criminality are targeted.
At this time police do not believe these fires are directly linked to a second series of fires related to an ongoing organised crime dispute, which included a fire at a Collingwood business in June.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed any of these incidents or has further information about them and the parties involved.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Arson and Explosives Squad:
“Today’s arrests are just the start and we are very conscious that the individuals we have arrested so far are likely just the puppets for those pulling the strings in this syndicate.
“Again, we are seeing these criminals use arson to threaten people and we are incredibly lucky not to have had anyone killed or seriously injured.
“This is inherently dangerous behaviour and I want to assure the public that police will not tolerate such blatant and dangerous criminal conduct in our communities.
“Once again, I say to this group that if you wanted our attention – you have it, and today’s arrests are only the start.
“Over the past few weeks, police have also been visiting tobacco stores in partnership with the ABF and we will continue to undertake these visits.
“This has been an important component of this investigation and we implore those store owners to provide us with any information they have, particularly those who are directly threatened.
“I can assure those people who have received threats, that the investigation of these arsons and extortions are an absolute priority for Victoria Police. People deserve to feel safe.
“These are legitimate store owners who have told us they are feeling scared and concerned by these attacks – this is their livelihood that is directly being impacted.
“We want to put a stop to these incidents and the danger they present not only to store owners and staff, but also the broader community.
“Again, I urge anyone out there with any information about these fires and who is responsible to come forward and talk to police or provide this information anonymously via Crime Stoppers.”
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Leigh Howse, VIPER Taskforce:
“These arson attacks and the broader criminality behind them is incredibly concerning and VIPER Taskforce will work closely with other specialist units and agencies to do everything we can to not only stop these fires occurring, but completely dismantle these criminal syndicates.
“We know that there are people linked to several organised crime entities, including Middle Eastern Organised Crime groups and OMCGs, who are behind the illegal tobacco trade and the use of arson to threaten and extort the legitimate owners of these shops.
“The VIPER Taskforce will be knocking on the doors of anyone linked to these syndicates who we think might also be involved in the illicit tobacco trade.
“Again, I’d ask people to consider if this is the kind of attention they want because we will be doing everything we can to hold them to account regardless of the nature of their criminality.
“We won’t only be focusing on the fires or illicit tobacco, the seizure of firearms and drugs linked to this broader investigation is testament to that.”
