POLICE are appealing for public assistance following an extortion and subsequent arson of a Wangaratta tobacco store in 2023 linked to a criminal syndicate amidst the state’s war on tobacco. 

The first incident occurred just after 4pm on Tuesday, July 4, when two unknown men entered the Murphy Street tobacco store.

Detectives from Taskforce Lunar this week released a video of a man in white trainers and tracksuit pants approaching a female staff member, demanding she close the store immediately and threatening to burn the store down if she did not comply within 24 hours.

“We’re from Melbourne and we’ve come here to take over this shop,” the man said. 

“You’ve got to give me the keys and close down the shop right now. 

“If you don’t give me the keys right now, in 24 hours I’ll be back and if this shop is still open, I’m going to come back and burn down this whole place.” 

In the video the woman refused to hand over the keys.

“You’re going to be stubborn like that?” the man said. 

“Your bosses… people are f***ing around with my people big time, and these people they’re f***ing around with big timers.” 

The store was closed that day before being re-opened again. 

On July 27 the store was set alight when police say two men poured an accelerant after they were seen exiting a white BMW and forcing entry into the store.

Both men fled the scene as the store sustained significant damage during the incident.

A woman and her dogs were rescued from the upper floor of the Wangaratta building, and she was subsequently treated for smoke inhalation.

Nobody was physically injured.

Police had linked the incident as part of an alleged dispute between criminal syndicates in conflict over profits from the illicit tobacco market.

In that time, more than 130 tobacco stores across the state had been firebombed.

Detective Inspector Graham Banks from Taskforce Lunar said police believe the offenders came from the self-described ‘Iraqis from Melbourne’ criminal syndicate. 

“There have been multiple incidents, where men similar to this who have represented this syndicate have attended in a very similar way, made very similar demands and what would we like to see is for people who have been subject to these threats to report this to police,” he said. 

“The police and the community expect these offenders to be held to account for their violence and intimidation.

“We are doing everything we can to bring this dispute and the criminality linked to it to an end, but we need your support and assistance.”

Det Inspector Banks said the man seen in the video was around 25-years-old in appearance, 6’3” (1.9m tall), Middle Eastern and obese. 

“It would have been terrifying, this male was really substantial in size and his demeanor was threatening,” he said.

“I can assure you some of the other language directed to the person who was the owner via the phone where she was present to see would have intimidated her.” 

Det Inspector Banks said it was unclear whether the same two men who entered the store on July 4 were involved with its arson on July 27, but the incidents were directly involved. 

“It could’ve been one of those fires that caused substantive damage to that street,” he said. 

“We believe they are being directed by a person who is not in Victoria at this present time.” 

Earlier last year Taskforce Lunar detectives issued letters to landlords of properties rented to businesses selling tobacco within the state and Wangaratta, addressing insurance risks due to the presence of illegal tobacco and or vapes inside a premises subject to arson attacks.

Det Inspector Banks said he would like to see local communities and councils take action on any businesses known to be selling illicit tobacco. 

“If it’s selling illicit product, landlords shouldn’t be keeping the lease, they should be evicting the tenants,” he said. 

In November the State Government announced they would be introducing the toughest penalties for illicit tobacco trade in the country as a part of new legislation to be brought forward in parliament.

The bill will establish a tobacco business licensing scheme, more search and seizure powers for police, a new tobacco regulator and penalties of up to 15 years in prison or fines of up to $355,000 for illicit tobacco sellers in the state.

Businesses could face fines of up to $1.7 million in fines.

Detectives are hopeful someone may recognise the man in the newly released video and be able to provide information on his current whereabouts.

Anyone who recognises the man or with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au