A sixth person has been charged following an investigation into alleged arsons at a south-western Sydney function centre over the 2016 Christmas period.
Strike Force Babel was established by detectives from the Financial Crime Squad’s Arson Unit and Bankstown Local Area Command to investigate two fires that police suspect were deliberately lit at a function centre on Restwell Street, Bankstown, in December 2016 and January 2017.
Emergency services were called to the first fire about 4.45am on Boxing Day (Monday 26 December 2016). The blaze was extinguished a short time later but had caused major smoke damage.
About 6pm eight days later (Tuesday 3 January 2017), emergency services were called to another fire, which caused significant structural damage.
Five people have previously been charged during the investigation. They remain before the courts.
Following further investigations, Strike Force Babel detectives arrested a 28-year-old man at Girraween just before 7pm yesterday (Thursday 28 February 2019).
He was taken to Granville Police Station and charged with two counts of accessory after the fact to dishonestly for gain, damage property by fire; and pervert the course of justice.
Police will allege in court that the man acted as a conduit to provide payments between those who organised the fires.
The Merrylands West man has been refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court later today (Friday 1 March 2019).
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information in that may assist Strike Force Babel detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
