Criminal syndicates fighting for control over Victoria's lucrative trade in illicit tobacco are being blamed for numerous arson attacks across the state.
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The firebombing of tobacco stores has generated headlines in Melbourne and beyond since early 2023, with more than 30 outlets targeted between March and October alone.
The most recent, over the past three weeks, included two attacks on one venue within 24 hours, two stores owned by the same owner firebombed in Moe and Croydon, and a deliberately lit blaze at a cafe linked to an opposing syndicate.
Police believe most of the arson attacks are down to warring outlaw motorcycle, Middle Eastern and other organised crime groups determined to carve off a bigger slice of the pie.
The various gangs involved have sought the physical placement of their illicit product in stores and demanded that owners pay a weekly protection racket "tax".
On Saturday, specialised taskforce Lunar set up to investigate the trade announced what it called a major breakthrough in disrupting one of the syndicates involved.
Five people, including a 41-year-old senior Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang figure from Werribee and two others believed to be patched Finks members, have been charged with numerous counts of criminal damage by fire and remanded in custody.
The youngest is a 16-year-old from Yarraville arrested in relation to carjacking, among other things. He's been released pending further inquiries.
In what detectives say is a familiar and concerning recipe, they allege the gangs are dolling out "smaller" jobs to youths with the help of social media and mobile phones.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks says police know who is involved behind the scenes and are coming after them.
"(These arrests) certainly impact a syndicate who is driving this particular thing," he told reporters on Saturday.
"Those involved have a complete lack of regard for the harm they are inflicting on the community and we think it's only a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously hurt in these reckless incidents."
Det Insp Banks said due to the significant income illicit tobacco generated, multiple groups were fighting for dominance - including one based overseas.
"It will be an ongoing issue for several months," he said.
"I think we've certainly turned a corner and we're getting far more intelligence. We've made significant arrests but it's not an issue that is going to stop overnight."
He said Victorians could expect more arrests in coming weeks.
It's believed none of the men arrested, or the victims of the arson attacks are co-operating with police.
MELBOURNE'S LATEST ARSON ATTACKS:
* A tobacco store on Lloyd Street, Moe targeted on December 25
* A tobacco store on Main Street, Croydon targeted on December 25
* A cafe on Lobelia Drive, Altona North targeted on Tuesday
* A tobacco store on Pier Street, Altona targeted two nights in a row on Thursday and Friday
* A tobacco store in Sunshine targeted on Friday.
Australian Associated Press
