Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have this morning charged two men, both believed to be patched members of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG), following an arson attack at a tobacco store earlier this month.
With assistance from the Echo Taskforce, two warrants were executed at residential addresses in Airport West and Reservoir this morning.
A 31-year-old Airport West man was charged with criminal damage by fire (arson) and fail to provide pin code.
A 42-year-old Reservoir man was charged with criminal damage by fire (arson) and theft in relation to a separate investigation.
The duo will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later today.
The charges follow an incident where emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a tobacco store on Nicholson Street in Orbost about 4.15am on Friday, 5 April.
Two men are captured on CCTV running from across the road and into the arcade, before throwing an item through a window at the front of the store.
The item causes the premises to ignite, and the two men then flee the scene in a silver Holden Commodore.
Nobody was inside at the time but the store sustained significant damage during the incident.
Anyone with information on any organised crime activity linked to illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
