Brisbane man arrested over Mount Isa tobacconist arson

Organised crime investigators have arrested a Brisbane man they allege “co-ordinated” an attack on a Mount Isa tobacco shop allegedly carried out by three teenage boys.

Organised crime investigators have arrested a Brisbane man they allege “co-ordinated” an attack on a Mount Isa tobacco shop, encouraging three teenage boys to burn it down.

Police charged the 22-year-old Heathwood man following an investigation into several arson attacks on tobacco and vape outlets.

It will be alleged that at approximately 2.20am on August 14, multiple people broke into a shop in the Mount Isa CBD and doused the building with flammable liquid before setting it on fire.

Investigations conducted by Mount Isa Criminal Investigation Branch and detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command, Taskforce Masher, identified three teenagers who police will allege are responsible for the arson attack.

The three boys, two aged 16 and one aged 17, were charged with one count each of arson and enter premises with intent and appeared in Mount Isa Childrens Court on September 20.

Further investigations by Taskforce Masher, a specialist task force targeting organised crime syndicates behind the illicit tobacco trade, identified a fourth person police allege was involved in the co-ordination of the arson attack.

Detectives executed a search warrant on November 13, in Crestmead, which led to a 22-year-old man being charged with one count each of arson and enter premises with intent.

Detective acting superintendent David Briese said Taskforce Masher was established to combat the growing organised crime element in the illicit tobacco market.

“There are issues around the country with deliberate acts targeting tobacco shops and we are working closely with our counterparts to target those criminal organisations who are working across state borders,” Det. Act. Sup. Briese said.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Originally published as Brisbane man arrested over Mount Isa tobacconist arson