Tarneit Man Charged Over Tobacco Threats

A Tarneit man has been charged following an alleged extortion plot involving threats of arson and violence against a yet-to-open tobacco store in the Bass Coast region.

Detectives from Taskforce Lunar allege the 52-year-old man, previously thought to be aligned with one tobacco syndicate, was acting on behalf of another group’s offshore leader. It is believed he attempted to extort the new store owner while continuing to pay his own extortion fees to operate a tobacco store on the same road.

Police allege the man made three separate visits to the Bass Coast store site on 12 June, 16 June and 1 July. During each visit, workers were reportedly told the store would be set on fire and the owner shot if it opened.

On 5 July, the store owner allegedly received a phone call from an international WhatsApp number — previously used in other extortion cases — reiterating the same threats.

With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce, police executed three search warrants on 15 July across Tarneit and the Bass Coast area, targeting a residential property and a tobacco store.

Officers seized around 6,500 illicit vapes valued at $260,000, just under $15,000 in cash, and more than 255,000 illegal cigarettes — representing a tax loss of over $358,000.

The Tarneit man has been charged with multiple offences including two counts of extortion with threats to destroy property, extortion with threats to inflict injury, dealing with the proceeds of crime, and possessing illicit tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

He has been bailed under strict conditions and is due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 22 July.

Anyone with information about organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.