Melbourne tobacco turf war: Another restaurant involved in suspected arson attack

This latest restaurant fire comes after an underworld boss’ business, located in the same area, was targeted in two suspected arson attacks last month.

Another restaurant in Melbourne’s Docklands has been set alight in a suspected arson attack, believed to be connected to a string of fires involving organised crime syndicates.

About 2.50am on Friday, police were called to Lebanese restaurant Almina on Glenti Place, having received reports of suspicious activity.

It’s believed three people smashed through a window at the restaurant before using a suspected accelerant to set it on fire.

They were later seen running from the scene before getting into a vehicle and fleeing.

Police were called to the Almina restaurant in Docklands about 2.50am on Friday. Picture: Supplied

“A crime scene has been established and it is expected an arson chemist and investigators will attend the scene this morning,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“Detectives will investigate whether the fire is linked to a recent series of arson attacks.”

A Middle Eastern restaurant located in Docklands was involved in two separate fires on November 18 and 20.

Shocking CCTV footage recently released by police captured the moment on November 20 when two individuals set the Karizma restaurant alight.

The business is owned by underworld boss Fadi Haddara.

In the November 20 incident, two men dressed in black were spotted on CCTV footage approaching the restaurant with two jerry cans.

They poured accelerant into the restaurant and set it on fire, at which point there was a large explosion, and one of the men was engulfed in flames as the fire took off.

Another Docklands restaurant was involved in two separate fires last month. Picture: Supplied

In both of the November incidents about 60 residents living in apartments above the venue were forced to evacuate.

Detectives believe the fires could be linked to a string of arson attacks, primarily targeting tobacco stores across the state over the past eight months.

It’s believed organised crime syndicates have been engaged in an ongoing battle for control over the illicit tobacco market.

“We believe (the second fire has) been tasked by the same syndicate, whether it’s the same men we’re not certain of that,” Detective Inspector Graham Banks said on Tuesday.

“We believe the syndicate that has directed the crimes believes that restaurant is in some way shape connected to another syndicate.

“That is why we believe they have targeted it.”

Police have made a fresh plea for witnesses to Friday’s incident at Almina to come forward.

Community members who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or who have dashcam footage or any additional information, have been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.