More than 80 arrests and 200 search warrants have been executed in the first 12 months of Taskforce Lunar.
Established in October 2023, Taskforce Lunar targets organised crime syndicates and their involvement in the illicit tobacco trade in Victoria.
Whilst illicit tobacco doesn’t generally sit within state law enforcement responsibility, the increased prevalence of serious and organised crime, including arson, extortion and firearms related violence necessitates it being a top priority for Victoria Police.
Since October 2023, there have been 105 arson attacks at, or linked to, tobacco stores around the state.
Detectives believe that most of the stores targeted sell illicit tobacco and vapes.
Premises in Williamstown, Altona, Altona North and Footscray are among those that have been targeted during the period, while properties in Footscray, West Footscray and Altona Meadows have been raided by taskforce police.
Since its inception the taskforce has arrested 82 people, many of these offenders have been charged with serious offences including extortion, arson, firearms offences and aggravated burglary.
More than 200 search warrants have been executed on tobacco stores around Victoria, suspected of selling illicit tobacco and vapes.
These warrants have resulted in the seizure of cash, illicit tobacco and vapes with a total value in excess of $37 million, as well 19 firearms, including seven handguns.
Police are continuing to investigate the incidents of arson.
Whilst the majority of these fires have resulted in no injuries, they are often targeted to shops in residential areas or part of residential buildings.
Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who have information about these incidents and who is responsible to come forward.
Crime Command Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said organised crime syndicates and their serious and organised crime offending, linked to the infiltration of the tobacco industry, remains a top priority of police.
“Over the last year we have seen a significant amount of work done by our Lunar Taskforce detectives and intelligence practitioners to identify these networks, disrupt their criminal activities and make a high number of arrests and seizures,” he said.
“However, as arson attacks continue, both in Victoria and interstate, we remain concerned over the safety of the broader community.
“The likelihood of serious injury or death occurring is both a real possibility and concerning.”
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
