Police to investigate groups 'pulling the strings' in Melbourne firebombings
Police in Melbourne have launched a new operation to investigate organized crime syndicates linked to a series of recent firebombings. The attacks have primarily targeted hospitality venues in the CBD, South Melbourne, and Prahran areas, with twelve arrests made so far. Authorities are urging witnesses to come forward as they believe the incidents are connected to illegal activities such as drug dealing and the illicit alcohol trade.
- ▪A specialist police operation is investigating organized crime groups behind firebombings in Melbourne.
- ▪Twelve people have been arrested, with most being young street gang members.
- ▪Police are looking into motives related to drug dealing and the illegal alcohol trade.
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| Original publisher | Net |
| Canonical URL | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-28/police-investigate-firebombings-melbourne-hospitality-venues/106616158 |
| Publication time | Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:07:13 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-04-28T06:48:41.085Z |
| Last seen | 2026-04-28T06:48:41.085Z |
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| Summary source text | contentText |
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| Publisher visit | Yes — open original |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
New police operation investigating crime syndicates 'pulling the strings' in Melbourne firebombingsKBy Keira ProustTopic:CrimeTue 28 Apr 2026 at 4:07pmTue 28 Apr 2026 at 4:07pmTue 28 Apr 2026 at 4:07pmPolice say recent incidents have been similar to arson attacks seen during the illegal tobacco wars. (ABC News)In short:A specialist police operation is looking into who is "pulling the strings" behind a series of arson attacks across Melbourne.Hospitality venues across the CBD, South Melbourne and Prahran entertainment areas have been targeted.What's next?Twelve people have already been arrested over some of the incidents, as police urge more witnesses to come forward.abc.net.au/news/police-investigate-firebombings-melbourne-hospitality-venues/106616158Link copiedShareShare articlePolice…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Net.