Docklands restaurant Karizma hit in suspected firebombing attack
The Docklands restaurant of convicted drug boss Fadi Haddara has been destroyed in a suspected firebombing attack.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Docklands restaurant of convicted drug boss Fadi Haddara has been targeted by arsonists for the second time in three days.
The restaurant was completely destroyed in the suspected firebombing attack. No one was injured.
Emergency services were first called to Karizma restaurant on New Quay Promenade on Saturday morning, with the business badly damaged and more than 60 residents forced to evacuate.
Firefighters were again called to the business about 2am on Monday to find the restaurant alight on the ground floor of the multi-storey apartment building.
Three levels of apartments above the restaurant became heavily smoke logged, with more than 40 residents evacuated. Two residents were treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics.
The second attack left the premise completely destroyed.
Haddara is regarded as a formidable organised crime figure in Melbourne.
He was the victim of arson last month when a panel shop with which he has had links was torched at North Williamstown.
A Class Smash Repairs in Orange St went up in flames in an early-morning fire which started in vehicles parked in front of the workshop.
The Herald Sun was later told police would investigate whether there were any links to Melbourne’s tobacco wars, which have been behind more than 30 arson attacks across the state.
A Class is registered to Nazim Haddara of Hoppers Crossing.
In 2014, Fadi Haddara was arrested at A Class as part of a police investigation into gun and drug trafficking called Skyborn.
The former champion kickboxer was later jailed after court hearings were told he was a syndicate ringleader.
Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives and the Arson and Explosive Squad are investigating the blaze.
The cause of the fire has been deemed as suspicious.
“Detectives believe the two fires are linked,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or information that could assist investigators are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
‘I’m getting clobbered’: Court hears bombshell recording in Deeming defamation case
A secret recording of a meeting between Moira Deeming and the Victorian Liberal leadership is being played to a Melbourne court on the second day of her blockbuster defamation action against John Pesutto.
Lalor barbershop destroyed in early morning blaze
A northern suburbs barber shop destroyed in a suspicious blaze has become the fourth to be targeted in a spate of arson attacks in recent months.