Four charged after string of tobacco store fires across Melbourne
Four people with possible bikie links have been charged after almost a dozen alleged arson attacks across Melbourne, with police warning Friday’s arrests were “only the start”.
Police & Courts
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Four people have been charged as part of an investigation into a series of arson attacks on tobacco stores across Melbourne, which police allege are linked to the Finks bikie gang.
They include a 33-year-old Epping man charged with arson and a related offence, two counts of vehicle theft, burglary and drug possession.
A 40-year-old Kilmore man was charged with arson and a related offence, two counts of vehicle theft, three counts of handling stolen goods and a bail offence.
A 31-year-old Flemington woman was charged with arson and a related offence, two counts of vehicle theft, burglary and drug possession while a 43-year-old Melton man was charged with possessing synthetic cannabis.
Another man, 28, from Melton, was released pending further enquiries.
The arrests were made on Friday, with police also allegedly seizing about 1.5kg of synthetic cannabis, 200 vapes, about 300 packets of illicit tobacco and 15g of cocaine.
There have been 11 linked arson attacks on tobacco stores across Melbourne since March last year.
Two patched members of the Finks were arrested earlier this week, with two firearms also allegedly seized during the raids.
On Friday, police alleged the four people acted as “puppets” for those “higher up the food chain”.
Police arrested a 33-year-old man in Heidelberg, a 40-year-old Kilmore man, a 31-year-old Flemington woman and a 43-year-old Melton man on Friday.
The arrests came after 11 linked arson attacks on tobacco stores across Melbourne, which had led to four patched members of the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang being charged by police.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray from the Arson and Explosives Squad put the offending groups on notice, saying the force would not tolerate their “inherently dangerous behaviour”.
“Today’s arrests are just the start and we are very conscious that the individuals we have arrested so far are likely just the puppets for those pulling the strings in this syndicate,” he said.
“Again, we are seeing these criminals use arson to threaten people and we are incredibly lucky not to have had anyone killed or seriously injured.
“This is inherently dangerous behaviour and I want to assure the public that police will not tolerate such blatant and dangerous criminal conduct in our communities.
“Once again, I say to this group that if you wanted our attention – you have it, and today’s arrests are only the start.”
Inspector Murray said the force would work with national authorities to disrupt the “blatant and dangerous criminal conduct”.
“We’ll look to partner with our federal counterparts being the Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police to identify those behind these arson attacks, and in order to keep our community safe,” he said.
He said “turf warfare” between patched Finks OMCG members, other bikie gangs and middle eastern crime syndicates was a concern for the force.
“There’s always linkages, let me tell you, we do know the Finks OMCG are clearly involved (in the arson attacks),” he added.
“Probably the best description is probably turf warfare in terms of illegal tobacco.
“We know who’s who in the zoo here.”
Inspector Murray said investigators would also examine possible links to the death of notorious bikie Mohammed Akbar Keshtiar on Chapel St on August 4.
“I think that’s a matter for the homicide squad to speak to … it would be premature to rule anything in and premature to rule anything out, it’s an avenue of inquiry, absolutely,” he added.
Inspector Murray said police were aware of middle eastern organised crime entities behind the illegal tobacco trade.
“Some of these individuals are well known in policing communities, low-level drug dealers.
“We know that they have been paid by those higher up the food chain.”
The four are expected to face charges of criminal damage by arson, among other offences.
Inspector Murray added: “It’s safe to say we have an abundance of evidence to support the charges and they will front court in due course”.
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