Arson attack on Fighters Xpress in Dandenong linked to Middle Eastern crime gang

A gym owner has hit out at the “weak little cowards” responsible for an arson attack and has vowed to rebuild “bigger, better and stronger”.

Police are probing whether an arson attack on a Dandenong gym is linked to a spate of firebombings by Middle Eastern Organised Crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Detectives from the Arson and Explosive Squad, Echo Taskforce and VIPER have teamed up to investigate the suspicious blaze which ripped through Fighters Xpress gym on Lonsdale St, about 3.45am on Sunday.

Police at the scene of Fighters Xpress gym. Picture: David Crosling

A car was used to crash through the front door of the gym shortly after 3.30am.

Police say the offenders poured accelerant through the building before setting it on fire and fleeing.

A short time later, emergency services were notified to a car alight on Canberra Ave in Dandenong.

In a statement posted to Fighters Xpress Facebook page, it said the gym encountered a “minor setback” by a coward arsonist.

“We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience to everyone,” the statement said.

“All memberships will be paused till further notice.

“Thanks to the cowards, we’re going to get a bigger and better gym as our family and bank is much bigger now then when we first started.

“We will always rebuild bigger, better and stronger.

“This is our area and we are here to stay.

“A message to the weak little cowards going around doing burns.

“Please don’t do kiddy sh-t and if you’re going to try be a thug or gangsta don’t target kids and families training facilities, or innocent people, shame on you.”

The post further stated that all of its staff and members that attended and trained at the facility had “zero” gang relations.

“If anyone has problems with individuals that used to be part of the gym, please chase it up directly with them you cowards.

“Just scared little boys hiding behind your phones.”

Sleman Aschna is a well-known kickboxer.

ASIC documents reveal Sleman Aschna as the director of the Fighters Xpress gym in Dandenong.

Mr Aschna, also referred to as “Salim”, is a well-known kickboxer and the Australian president of the World Sport Fight Martial Arts Council.

Videos posted on social media show several fighting competitions that Mr Aschna took part in.

It can also be revealed that anti-lockdown crusader Nick Patterson runs mixed martial arts classes at the gym.

“Nick, a pro MMA fighter himself, has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he is able to share with all levels of students. From beginner to pro,” a Facebook post said.

The blaze is being treated as suspicious. Picture: Hampton Park Fire Brigade

Peter Hatton, a trainer at Fighters XPress, said the fire was “heartbreaking”.

“I’m heartbroken. I’m heartbroken for my kids that love to be there day in day out,” he said in a Facebook post.

“I’m heartbroken for my trainers that are out of the job that support there (sic) families.”

Mr Hatton said he was thankful that no one was injured in the blaze.

“The 4 walls don’t mean anything,” he said.

“The 4 walls and the ceiling only stops the rain coming through.

“The gym members itself is what makes the gym and the family … but the building itself doesn’t mean a thing.

“As long as no one wasn’t hurt I am 100 per cent happy.

“I’ve been working with kids and helping kids off the streets of Dandenong and all surrounding suburbs for 30 years. And I will not stop helping.”

Anti-lockdown crusader Nick Patterson ran mixed martial arts programs at the gym.

The Arson Squad’s detective Inspector Chris Murray issued a warning to those behind the latest attack.

A war between Middle Eastern organised crime gangs is suspected to be behind 11 earlier firebombings across Melbourne.

“We will significantly be upping the anti as a result of this,” he said.

“Any escalation means an escalation in our response.

“Its quite unusual that we pull three of the biggest squads in crime command together.

“If you’re behind this, if you’re associated with this, the people involved in this, we will be paying you a visit. Mark my words.”

The gym was gutted by the fire. Picture: David Crosling

Insp Murray said detectives had not ruled out links to Middle Eastern organised crime gangs.

“It is not yet known whether the alleged arsonists are known to the gym owners,” he said.

“What I would say to the people that perpetrated this is, expect (to hear) from the Echo and Viper task forces. That is an absolute given.

“We will be coming to knock on your door to understand what is going on here.

“We will be absolutely rigorous in our pursuit of those who have targeted this premises.”

Insp Murray said the gym was now a scene of “absolute devastation”.

A person wearing a Fighter Xpress jumper assesses the damage. Picture: David Crosling

He said what detectives believe to be a stolen Ford Territory reversed through the gym’s front doors before the drivers set the gym alight.

“Accelerant has been poured through the scene in what we say is a deliberate, targeted attack to destroy the building.

A burnt-out car is seen inside the building. Picture: David Crosling

“It’s (the gym’s interior) is absolutely devastated.

“The building has been engulfed and fully involved.”

It is understood that while neighbouring businesses were not set alight, they suffered significant amounts of smoke damage.

“Their livelihoods have now been compromised,” Insp Murray said.

“We want to reassure the community that our response is going to be absolutely significant.”

Owner of AfroCafe1, Emma, said the eatery and shisha bar had been open for just one month before the fire broke out.

“We won’t be able to operate for a very long time,” she said.

“It’s devastating.”

Viper task force detectives arrived at Lonsdale St about 10.50am.