Police are investigating whether recent firebombings across Melbourne are linked to organised crime groups.
A new specialist police operation has been established to target organised crime syndicates believed to be involved in recent incidents, including arson attacks, at numerous Melbourne hospitality venues.
Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said the operation will focus on “those who are pulling the strings” behind the “extremely concerning” attacks.
“Predominantly, this has involved arson attacks; however, we are also seeing instances where a firearm has been discharged, or people have been kidnapped,” he said.
“The potential for death is real here and for that reason we’ve established Operation Eclipse.”
Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly says police are taking recent arson attacks seriously. (ABC News: Natasha Schapova)
Police said 15 incidents from the past two weeks were likely linked.
The majority of the attacks occurred across the CBD, South Melbourne and Prahran entertainment precincts, with restaurants and bars the main targets in the arson attacks.
Superintendent Kelly said some of these venues have been “hit multiple times”.
A factory that distils alcohol in Keysborough was also found alight on April 23.
Firefighters attending a venue fire on Chapel Street earlier in the month. (ABC News)
Twelve people have already been arrested over some of the attacks.
“We can say the majority of them are young people, street gang members and the like,” Superintendent Kelly said.
“They have been tasked through encrypted apps and the like.”
He said some of the offenders have been paid “as low as $500 to $1,000 but up to even as high as $20,000” to carry out an arson attack.
Drug dealing and the illegal alcohol trade are among the possible motives that police are investigating.
Earlier this month, Bar Bambi had its windows smashed and was set alight. (ABC News: Patrick Rocca)
Police said they were also looking into several incidents of people acting suspiciously while filling up jerry cans at service stations.
Superintendent Kelly said the recent incidents were similar to fire attacks seen during the illegal tobacco wars.
“This is a methodology we have seen play out previously, especially with regards to the illicit tobacco conflict,” he said.
“One thing we didn’t see with the illicit tobacco market that we are seeing here is the CBD being subject to arson attacks. So, it is very concerning.
“People need to be alert to their surroundings.”
Police want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incidents or those who have any relevant information.