A third child has been arrested as part of the Taskforce Lunar investigation into two tobacco store fires in Glenroy earlier this month.
A 15-year-old Keilor boy was arrested this morning by police and was subsequently interviewed.
He has been charged with criminal damage by fire and theft of motor vehicle, and will face a children’s court at a later date.
Today’s arrest follows two fires at separate tobacco stores in Glenroy on 17 May.
Emergency services were initially called to a business on Morgan Court about 4.15am, with a second fire being reported at a Belair Avenue premises only minutes later.
A 17-year-old Deanside boy and a 16-year-old Hoppers Crossing boy were arrested last week and charged with a range of offences including criminal damage by fire (arson), theft of motor vehicle, possess prohibited weapon and possess cannabis.
They will both appear at a children’s court at a later date.
Taskforce Lunar was established in October 2023 to investigate organised crime syndicates believed to be heavily involved in the illicit tobacco trade and an ongoing dispute for profit.
This includes a series of over 60 arsons at stores selling tobacco across Victoria.
Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have arrested 63 people so far as a result of their investigations.
The taskforce has also been supported by members of the VIPER taskforce, with over 100 search warrants executed at properties linked to illicit tobacco and more than 80 people arrested.
The taskforce includes specialist resources from across Crime Command and also works closely with regional police, as well as a range of external agencies such as the ABF, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), AFP and ATO.
Anyone with information about these fires is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
