Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have charged a fifth man today following a number of incidents including an aggravated home invasion in Craigieburn and a burglary in Broadmeadows earlier this year.
A 20-year-old Kialla man was arrested at his home address shortly before 8.30 this morning.
He has since been interviewed by investigators and charged with two counts of aggravated home invasion, recklessly cause injury and theft.
He will appear at Shepparton Magistrates' Court today.
A 33-year-old Glenroy man was charged on 4 September with two counts of aggravated home invasion with an offensive weapon, two counts of theft, burglary and using a tracking device.
On 29 August, a 32-year-old Kalkallo man was charged with aggravated home invasion, burglary, theft and possess drug of dependence.
The duo was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 1 December.
A 36-year-old Keilor Downs man was charged with possess drug of dependence.
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 18 December.
A 37-year-old Mickleham man was charged on 25 August with two counts of aggravated home invasion, recklessly cause injury and theft.
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 1 December.
The arrests form part of an investigation into an organised crime syndicate involved in a range of offences including extortion and money laundering linked to the illicit tobacco trade.
On 15 July, police seized a number of devices as part of this investigation and uncovered evidence of two alleged incidents on 24 June including an aggravated home invasion in Craigieburn and a burglary at a business premises in Broadmeadows.
Neither incident was reported to police at the time they occurred.
The investigation into these incidents and the organised crime syndicate remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
