Detectives from the Gang Crime Squad have today arrested five people as part of an ongoing investigation into a series of incidents this year, linked to organised crime.
Today detectives, with the assistance of Viper Taskforce and Melton Crime Investigation Unit, executed four search warrants at properties in Melbourne's north-west suburbs, including:
- Moreland area
- Lahinch Street, Broadmeadows
- Watersedge Way, Roxburgh Park
- Synergy Court, Taylors Hill
Detectives arrested a 17-year-old boy from the Moreland area, an 18-year-old man from Broadmeadows, an 18-year-old man from Roxburgh Park, and two 19-year-old men from Taylors Hill.
Police will allege the five have been linked to targeted home invasions, arson, attempted arson and firearms incidents since January 7, 2026, where offenders have relentlessly targeted the victims, their property and family members.
Investigators believe these incidents have been directed by an offshore crime figure.
The incidents include:
An aggravated home invasion at a home on Flinders Place, Caroline Springs about 12.45am on 7 January. Five offenders attended the property however the occupants were not home. The victims then received a threatening phone call demanding a large sum of money be paid.
On 9 January two unknown people attended a property on Lucas Terrace, Taylor Hills. The offenders attempted to set fire to the outside of the home before they were disturbed and fled the area.
Shortly afterwards at 4am on 9 January, a number of shots were fired outside a Flinders Place home in Caroline Springs, the same property which was the target the home invasion on 7 January.
The neighbouring property was struck by the shots, luckily no one was injured.
On 10 January at 1am two unknown offenders attended the Lucas Terrace property for a second time, forcing entry to the house before setting a number of items on fire.
At 3.45am on 10 January three offenders armed with machetes and a hammer forced entry into a property on Carfin Circuit, Thornhill Park. The occupants barricaded themselves in a room and the offenders left the address empty handed.
At 3.40am on 12 January a male sustained a non-fatal gunshot wound to the upper body when he was exiting his vehicle on Connor Road, Burnside Heights.
The 17-year-old man who sustained the gunshot wound was taken to hospital under police guard.
On 2 February police were called to an address on Penshurst Court, Hillside where a number of shots were fired into the front of the property. No one was injured.
The five men remain in custody and will be interviewed in relation to each incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Gang Crime Squad:
"We have seen a significant number of serious offending done by this organised crime group.
"Offences include firearms incidents, arson and home invasions.
"Today is a significant step forward in interrupting this serious and organised crime group who engage in incredibly dangerous conduct on Melbourne streets.
"The Gang Crime Squad will continue to detect and disrupt these groups, with people based both here in Victoria and offshore, to minimise the impact on the broader community.
"If there is anyone out there who has further information about this matter, I urge you to provide that information to police and as always this can be done confidentially."
