Mohammad Burma and Awoul Mun face charges over tobacco store fires

Crucial telecom data could be the key to unlocking the case against two men charged over a string of tobacco shop fires in Melbourne and Wonthaggi

Mohammad Burma and Awoul Mun are accused of torching this van outside a tobacconist shop on Belair Ave, Glenroy. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The case of two men charged over a string of tobacco shop fires in Melbourne and Wonthaggi has been deferred due to a delay in obtaining telecom data.

Mohammad Burma, 19, and Awoul Mun, 20, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday from a prison link but were further remanded after the prosecution requested time to obtain phone data.

Lunar detectives allege the pair torched a Belair Ave tobacco store in Glenroy on August 17, 2024 where a van was driven into the building and set alight.

They have both been accused of the August 11, 2024 arson of the Tobacco Bell store on High St in Melton, which saw a stolen Audi rammed through the front and set alight about 3.25am.

They have also both been charged over a ram-raid and arson at a Wonthaggi tobacco shop on McBride Ave on August 19.

A torched van outside a tobacconist shop that was also set alight on Belair Ave, Glenroy. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The stolen Mazda 3 used in that attack was later torched too.

Mr Burma is charged with three counts of arson, burglary and theft of motor vehicle while Mr Mun is facing five charges of arson on two buildings and three vehicles.

The court was told it would take between four and six weeks for the phone data, which was a crucial piece of information for the prosecution, to be made available.

Mr Burma and Mr Mun are back in court on February 12 for a committal mention.

As at September 3, 2024, Lunar detectives investigated 97 alleged arson attacks between March 2023 and September 2024.

Those inquiries have led to more than 80 arrests.