Melbourne Police have released a video of an arson incident linked to an extortion attempt
The Victoria State Police have released surveillance footage of an arson attack on a house in Yarraville, in Melbourne’s inner-west. According to law enforcement, the attack may be linked to an attempted extortion of $20 million. The fire destroyed two cars and caused significant damage to the front of the house.
The arson occurred around 2:20 a.m. on November 26 of last year on Stephen Street. The released video shows a gray Toyota RAV4 pulling up to the house, from which two masked men exit. They douse two cars parked in front of the house and the area near the front door with a flammable liquid, then throw Molotov cocktails at the cars and flee the scene.
According to police, a woman and a small child were inside the house during the arson but were not physically harmed. Detective Sergeant Ben Oakley of the Echo Task Force stated that the incident could have had fatal consequences. He emphasized that arson attacks are dangerous and unpredictable.
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Police also reported that about a month before the fire, a 47-year-old resident of the house was the victim of an attempted extortion. Three men came to the residence, demanded payment of $20 million by the end of the week, and threatened to burn down the house. According to law enforcement, the man was slapped and punched in the face.
In the extortion case last November, charges were filed against three men aged 27, 23, and 28, who were recently convicted. Victoria State Police stated that they were members of the Bandidos. In December, a 23-year-old resident of Tomastown and a 27-year-old resident of Mickleham were detained in connection with the arson, but both were later released. The Echo Task Force is continuing its investigation and is asking the public to help identify the individuals seen in the video.
