Detectives have charged a man with hindering an investigation into alleged arsons at a south-western Sydney function centre over the 2016 Christmas period, NSW Police say.
Strike Force Babel was established by detectives from the Financial Crime Squad’s Arson Unit and Bankstown Local Area Command to investigate two fires that police suspect were deliberately lit at a function centre on Restwell Street, Bankstown, in December 2016 and January 2017.
Emergency services were called to the first fire about 4.45am on Boxing Day (Monday 26 December 2016). The blaze was extinguished a short time later, but had caused major smoke damage.
About 6pm eight days later (Tuesday 3 January 2017), emergency services were called to another fire, which caused significant structural damage.
Four people have previously been charged during the investigation. They remain before the courts.
Following further investigations, Strike Force Babel detectives arrested a 35-year-old man at Bankstown Police Station about 8.15am yesterday (Tuesday 6 March 2018).
He was charged with hinder investigation of a serious indictable offence.
Police will allege in court that the man withheld information relevant to the investigation.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 2 May 2018.
Investigations are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Babel investigators to call Crime Stoppers.
