Firebombings of tobacco shops in Victoria have now surpassed 100 as an escalating gangland conflict fuels arson attacks across the state.
Police believe the violence stems from a failed underworld attempt to control the price of illicit tobacco.
The Lunar taskforce, established by Victoria Police a year ago, has linked over 105 arson incidents to the ongoing turf war.
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The conflict reportedly began in March 2023 after a meeting of key crime figures, including outlaw motorcycle gang members and organised crime families.
Det Insp Graham Banks revealed that Victoria has been at the centre of the violence, though other arson incidents have been recorded in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland.
“Historically, serious organised crime is a tough nut to crack… significant investigations will take potentially multiple years,” Banks said.
The taskforce has arrested 82 people and executed over 200 search warrants across tobacco stores suspected of selling illicit products.
“Ultimately, we want to hold them to account regardless of where they are in the world,” he added.
Det Supt Jason Kelly expressed concerns over the increasing threat to public safety, warning that the ongoing arson attacks could lead to serious injury or death.
To date, Victoria remains the only state without a licensing scheme for tobacco shops.
“If someone dies because your premises was the subject of arson… how would that make you feel?”
Kelly affirmed that police would continue targeting organised crime networks in collaboration with various government agencies to mitigate the risks posed to the community.
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