Police have today arrested four men as part of an Echo Taskforce investigation into a suspicious fire at a tobacco store in Mount Clear earlier this year.
Warrants were executed in Chelsea, Narre Warren, Strathmore, Truganina and Weir Views early this morning by Echo Taskforce detectives along with police from the VIPER Taskforce, Crime Command State Anti-Gangs Division and Southern Metro Region.
Four people were arrested including a 58-year-old Chelsea man, a 41-year-old Narre Warren man, a 40-year-old Strathmore man and a 30-year-old Truganina man.
The quartet will now be interviewed by police in relation to arson, aggravated burglary and extortion offences.
Police also seized a number of items during the warrants including electronic devices.
Today's arrests follow an incident about 10.40pm on 8 January where a tobacco store on Geelong Road, Mount Clear was set alight.
The fire caused about $1M worth of damage to not only the tobacco store but also five surrounding businesses.
Earlier this month police released CCTV and images of the incident as well as four people they wished to speak to about the matter.
Police are still appealing for information to identify the man shown in the CCTV setting the store alight.
Investigators would also like to thank the public and media for their assistance following these appeals.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing including further enquiries into other offenders potentially involved in the matter.
Echo Taskforce detectives are also looking at possible connections between this incident and the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
Police are still keen to speak to anyone who may have information about the fire and is yet to speak to police is urged to come forward.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www.crimestoppers.com.auExternal Link
