Champion bodybuilder linked to Frankston bikie arson attacks
A former bodybuilding champion – known as Big Zolt – has been identified as the new owner of the Frankston supplement store firebombed this week in a wave of bikie attacks, involving the Finks.
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A champion bodybuilder has been revealed to run a supplement store which was firebombed in a wave of bikie-related arson attacks.
Hulking muscle man Zoltan Banyai took ownership of AAA Supplements on the Nepean Hwy in Frankston just months before it was torched early Thursday morning.
Victoria Police’s anti-bikie Echo Taskforce is investigating the attack believed to be linked to a similar arson at the Finks clubhouse on Morialta Rd in Cranbourne West hours earlier.
A car found torched on Brunel Rd in Seaford that night is believed to have been used by the culprits.
Mr Banyai – known as Big Zolt – is well known in bodybuilding circles and took out the prestigious Mr Australasia heavyweight title in 2004.
It is understood he took over the Frankston supplement store late last year.
Anti-bikie police are working to establish why his business and the clubhouse were targeted.
Several Finks bikies have been spoken to by police.
The Sunday Herald Sun had been told there is a vacuum of bikie activity in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula which the Finks are intent on filling.
“They’re recruiting a lot of people who are not the typical bikie,” a source said.
“They bring a lot of attention to themselves. These blokes are doing things in the hope of getting their colours.”
Police have also been examining whether bikie tension were a factor in the drive-by shooting of a Frankston tattoo parlour last month.
There had been speculation that the Mongols, a rival gang to the Finks, also has an interest in moving into the Frankston area.
The Finks have also been at odds with the Rebels in recent times.
The Red Devils, an affiliate of the Hells Angels, had a presence until about five years ago when they moved elsewhere.
Police say the Frankston supplement store was found in flames just after 11pm on Wednesday.
About ten minutes later a car was found on fire in Seaford.
Two men, believed to be wearing masks, were seen running from the burning car toward a nearby reserve.
About 1.30am there was a fiery explosion at the Finks clubhouse, leaving it gutted.
CCTV cameras captured two cars fleeing the scene.
Mr Banyai declined to comment when contacted by the Sunday Herald Sun.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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