Detectives from the Echo Taskforce are today releasing CCTV and appealing for information following an extortion and arson in Yarraville last year, believed to be linked to the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG).
In the first incident, three men attended the victim’s Stephen Street home in Yarraville at 2.50pm on Wednesday, 29 October demanding $20M be paid by the end of the week, or the house would be burnt down.
A 47-year-old man, a resident, was also slapped and punched in the face. A woman and a young child inside the address were not physically injured during the incident.
Three patched Bandidos – a 27-year-old from Kalkallo, a 23-year-old from Ivanhoe and a 28-year-old from Craigieburn – were charged in November last year in relation to this incident and have recently been sentenced.
On Wednesday, 26 November, a grey Toyota Rav4 parks directly outside the address just after 2.20am.
Two males exit the vehicle, pouring accelerant over the victims’ two cars in the driveway as well as the front door area of the house.
Molotov cocktails are then thrown in the direction of the vehicles, before the two males run to the waiting Rav4 and flee the scene.
The fire caused extensive damage to the front of house and both vehicles were completely destroyed.
Two men – a 23-year-old from Thomastown and 27-year-old from Mickleham – were arrested in relation to this incident on Wednesday, 10 December.
Both were subsequently released pending further enquiries.
Detectives are today releasing CCTV of the incident in the hopes that someone may recognise the men involved and are urging anyone with further information to come forward.
Anyone with further information or who recognises the men in the CCTV is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Ben Oakley, Taskforce Echo:
“We have said time and time again that fire – arson – risks the lives of innocent people. It is dangerous and unpredictable.
“A woman and a young child were inside this address. In their home, where everyone deserves to feel, and be, safe.
“If you have any further information on this incident, including who the three men may be, it is time to do the right thing and come forward.”
