In short:
A 20-year-old Tarneit man has been charged with weapons offences and bailed to appear at Wyndham Magistrates’ Court on 12 June, following extortion demands made against two Melbourne CBD venues. Two 17-year-old boys were also arrested in Whittlesea this morning as part of Operation Eclipse, Victoria Police’s investigation into organised attacks on Melbourne hospitality venues.
Molotov attack preceded arrests
A Tarneit man is among three people arrested this morning 15th May, as Victoria Police escalate their investigation into a series of attacks and extortion attempts targeting Melbourne hospitality venues.
Detectives from the Operation Eclipse investigation arrested a 20-year-old Tarneit man in connection with extortion demands made against two Melbourne CBD venues. On Thursday, 7 May, two demands for money were sent via social media to venues on Flinders Lane and Lonsdale Street.
The man has been charged with possessing a prohibited weapon without exemption and possessing cartridge ammunition without exemption. A number of knives, ammunition, and a mobile phone were seized from his address. He has been bailed to appear at Wyndham Magistrates’ Court on 12 June.
Separately, detectives from the Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit executed two search warrants at residential addresses in the Whittlesea area at 7.30am this morning. Two 17-year-old boys were taken into custody and are currently being interviewed by detectives. A firearm, numerous electronic devices, and a quantity of drugs were seized from their addresses.
The arrests follow an incident in which five Molotov cocktails were thrown at a licensed venue on Cecil Street, South Melbourne, at approximately 2.20am on 2 May. Officers from the Public Order Response Team (PORT) responded and extinguished a fire, causing minimal damage. No one was inside the venue at the time.
Operation Eclipse commenced on 27 April and is led by specialist detectives including the Gang Crime Squad and the Arson and Explosives Squad. The operation targets serious and organised crime syndicates believed to be involved in a series of offences linked to Melbourne hospitality venues, with investigators working to determine the motive behind the attacks.
“The specialist resources in Operation Eclipse will focus on the organisers and those pulling the strings,” police said.
“Investigators are continuing to look at all possible motivations behind the offending including who is involved and why. Police remain open to a range of possibilities and we encourage anyone with any information to come forward.”
Police continue to maintain an increased presence, both overt and covert, across Melbourne entertainment precincts, including regular patrols and visits to licensed premises. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
