Finks bikies arrested over tobacco store firebombings

Police have arrested five men, some believed to be Finks bikies, over a spate of firebombings across Melbourne during the last three weeks.

Police have arrested five Finks bikies over a spate of firebombings across Melbourne during the last three weeks.

The arrests include an arson attack on an Altona tobacconist that was targeted twice in 24 hours this week as well as arson attacks on an Altona cafe and tobacco stores in Moe, Croydon and Sunshine.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said it was believed the men were connected to several targeted attacks since Christmas Day where entry was forced into each premises, before setting the properties alight.

For the second time in two days a tobacco shop in Altona has allegedly been fire-bombed. Picture: David Crosling

The Special Operations Group arrested a 41-year-old Werribee man, a 30-year-old Templestowe man and a 32-year-old Albion man, all who are believed to be patched members of the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.

They have been charged with offences including criminal damage and arson.

A a 37-year-old Point Cook man and a 17-year-old from Yarraville were also arrested in relation to the firebombings.

Police are currently investigating 28 arson attacks on tobacco stores, cars, gyms, restaurants and private addresses across Victoria.

Since October, they have executed almost 70 warrants at tobacco stores across the state.

Holes in the front window of the Pier St store. Picture: David Crosling

They have seized 108,722 vapes with a street value of $3.2m, 3.2m cigarettes with a value of almost $4m as well as weapons, $100m believed to be proceeds of crime, cannabis and cocaine.

“At this time, Taskforce Lunar investigators believe the current situation is as a result of criminal syndicates in conflict due to competition for profit derived from the illicit tobacco market,” a police spokesperson said on Saturday.

“The current conflict includes both the physical placement of illicit tobacco into stores, as well as demands for stores to sell the syndicate’s illicit product and to pay a ‘tax’ per week to operate.”

Police are investigating links to the string of similar attacks across Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at an Altona North business on Tuesday morning. Picture: Supplied

Charred jerry cans left outside the store. Picture: David Crosling

The arsonists smashed through the front door. Picture: David Crosling

A burnt-out car in Altona under police guard at PA burns Reserve. Picture: David Crosling

“Police believe the syndicates are comprised of personnel from Middle Eastern Organised “Crime groups and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, who are then engaging local networked youth, street gangs and other low-level criminal to carry out the offending.

“Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who has information about these incidents and who is responsible to come forward.”

Detective Inspector Graham Banks of the Lunar Taskforce said it was only a matter of time before someone was killed in one of these reckless incidents.

“While people’s lives remain at risk due to this heightened criminal activity, we will continue to target these organised crime syndicates and do everything we can to hold them accountable.”