Frederico Bruno refused bail again on firearm charges

Alleged tobacco war figure Frederico Bruno has been refused bail a second time, appearing in court over firearm charges.

Fredreico Bruno, 48, had a second bid for bail rejected. Picture: Victoria Police

One of two men arrested by detectives investigating Victoria’s tobacco wars has been refused bail for a second time on firearms charges.

Frederico Bruno, 48, fronted Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after allegedly stolen firearms and ammunition were seized by detectives from Taskforce Lunar, which was set up to investigate a wave of fires which have hit tobacco stores across the state.

Mr Bruno made a second bid for bail on Tuesday after an earlier application was rejected due to police fears that he had access to other firearms.

Police expressed fears Frederico Bruno could have access to other firearms.

The court heard stolen and imitation firearms, including a loaded handgun found in a fridge, and large amounts of ammunition were seized from Mr Bruno’s mechanic shop in Thomastown on January 30, as part of an investigation into other crimes.

In opposing bail, Lunar investigator Bonita Di Giangregorio said one of the seized firearms was stolen during a burglary in Sunshine West in 2021.

She said five other firearms stolen from that burglary remained unaccounted for and police held fears Mr Bruno could have access to them.

The court heard Mr Bruno told police he owned the firearms and he used them for protection.

“He said he worked on high performance vehicles in a high burglary area and he had them for protection,” Detective Acting Sergeant Giangregorio said.

“I’m not sure where, I’m not sure who (and) I’m not sure when but he’s got this (stolen) firearm.”

Mr Bruno’s lawyer said there was no evidence of his client owning the guns for “nefarious purposes” and police had not taken steps to investigate if he had access to other weapons.

He also said a $20,000 surety was available and he could be placed on a firearm prohibition order which would grant police powers to search his property without a warrant.

But Magistrate Helen Murphy refused bail, finding Mr Bruno still posed a risk to the public.

She provided a sentence indication on request from Mr Bruno’s lawyer, revealing he would face a three-month jail term in combination with a community correction order if convicted.

The case was adjourned to February 27 for further submissions.

An alleged tobacco war ringleader, Majid Alibadi, 25, was arrested on the same day as Mr Bruno after raids were also carried out in Epping and Campbellfield.

Police allege Mr Alibadi was the “ringleader and director” of four arson attacks including two blazes at the Karizma restaurant, owned by alleged underworld figure Fadi Haddara, in November.

Majid Alibadi is an alleged key player in Victoria's tobacco wars.

He is also accused of setting alight a Glenroy tobacco store in October and a Tullamarine reception centre fire in December.

Mr Alibadi, who did not apply for bail, will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 11.