Melbourne Collision Repair Centre in Laverton and Mentone hit in arson attacks

David Deicke, an alleged drug importer with known bikie links, has said he “doesn’t know why” two of his smash repair businesses were torched by arsonists.

An accused drug trafficker who owns two smash repair businesses that were firebombed overnight has described the coordinated attacks as “just horrible”.

Speaking exclusively to the Herald Sun, David Deicke said he had no idea why his shops were set alight and said his concern was now for his family.

“I don’t know why this has happened but it’s just horrible,” he said.

“I have four young children, and my wife is in a bad way, and my concern is for them right now.”

Mr Deicke is facing charges over a $90m cocaine haul. Police allege he attempted to smuggle 120kg of liquid cocaine found in wine bottles in 2018.

If convicted, he faces the prospect of life behind bars.

A number of cars were damaged in the attack on the Laverton business. Picture: Supplied

Mr Deicke has been on bail since February last year after a secret two-day hearing in the Supreme Court.

The media was refused access to the hearing and then a gag order was slapped on the contents of the case.

It came after previous bail attempts - including friend Sally Matt putting up a $1.69m dollar property as surety - failed.

On Wednesday, he denied being friends with notorious criminals despite previously being pictured with senior high-ranking Comancheros.

“I don’t have any links to bikies, it’s all bullshit. I don’t have any bikie friends, I don’t have tattoos, I don’t hang out with any of these types of people. This nonsense needs to stop.”

He added: “I’m just a professional businessman. I was a professional boxer and now I’m a professional businessman just trying to go about my business.

The Mentone business was attacked about 3:20am on Wednesday. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“I don’t know why this has happened - it’s terrible, it’s horrible - but this stuff about me linked to bikies needs to stop.”

Emergency services were first called to Melbourne Collision Repair Centre at the intersection of Swanston Street and Nepean Highway in Mentone at 3.20am.

Just a few minutes later they were called to Melbourne Collision Repair Centre on Triholm Avenue in Laverton.

Several people were seen smashing car windows and then setting them on fire.

CCTV shows one of the offenders at Laverton accidentally setting themselves on fire. The man frantically tries to swat out the flames on his lower body before fleeing in a white vehicle.

That business was also shot at on July 18. A black vehicle pulled up outside and multiple shots fired at a tow-truck in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Deicke had to put the companies into his long-term partner’s name - Belinda Pitts - when he was initially refused bail for the cocaine allegations.

Smash repair businessman David Deicke. Picture: Supplied

Asked why his businesses might be targeted Mr Deicke replied: “It’s happening all over Melbourne isn’t it.”

Mr Deicke was accused earlier this year of buying a $550,000 Ferrari but failing to pay for it.

It was alleged he purchased the 1987 Testarossa from Jack Ta in 2022 with a $100,000 deposit. The remaining $450,000 was due to be paid over 13-months, but Mr Ta claims he didn’t receive another cent.

The Herald Sun also previously revealed Mr Deicke paid $800,000 for a $8m Portsea mansion, but then wanted to back out of the deal.

He was told he didn’t need to proceed with the sale but would lose the deposit.

The three-storey, six bedroom, five bathroom house then mysteriously burned to the ground. The cause of the fire at the empty home was never established.

But it was a stroke of luck for Mr Deicke because his deposit was repaid as he could no longer go ahead with the sale as listed.

Mr Deicke with ex-Comanchero Fidel Tukel. Picture: Supplied

Mr Deicke is the half-brother of five time world champion boxer Lester Ellis.

He also goes by the names of David Ellis and David Becks, and uses the nickname ‘Hollywood’.

In 2010, he was almost killed by Finks bikies after allegedly selling one of their associates a Range Rover which still had a debt of $80,000 owing to a finance company.

Mr Deicke lives in $10m Brighton property and his smash repair business empire is reportedly worth $25m.

A police source said detectives would be looking at a long list of potential motives and possible offenders.

“He’s mixed up with serious criminals, he is facing large-scale drug charges and there’s a dispute over a Ferrari worth half a million,” he said.

“There’s also mystery lingering over the Portsea mansion burning down.”

The added: “I know he calls himself David ‘Hollywood’ Deicke, well, all I can say is the drama follows him everywhere.”

Anyone with information or witnesses are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Melbourne Collision Repair Centre in Laverton and Mentone hit in arson attacks