Detectives from Taskforce Hawk have today released CCTV footage as part of their investigation into two fires earlier this year in Maribyrnong and Derrimut.
The first fire occurred outside a residential property on Scenic Drive, Maribyrnong on 6 April.
Two vehicles at the address were set alight shortly after 1.30am.
The CCTV shows two offenders dousing the vehicles in accelerant before setting them alight.
The residence was not damaged and the family inside the address was not physically injured.
The second fire occurred at a factory in Derrimut on 27 May.
Emergency services were called to the Calarco Drive business about 5.35am after a member of the public spotted the building fire.
It's believed offenders have forced entry into an office area, spread accelerant throughout, then set the building alight.
It's believed the offenders then left the area in a silver Lexus SUV.
Investigators are today releasing footage of that vehicle, captured outside the Derrimut address.
Police are treating the two fires as linked, and are looking at the possibility they may also be linked to further incidents.
While the exact motivation for the fires is yet to be established, Taskforce Hawk detectives believe they are connected to corrupt activity within the building industry.
Investigators are keen to speak to anyone with information about the fires, including who may be involved and why.
Detectives are also keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incidents and has any further CCTV or dashcam footage.
As always, information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
Operation Hawk was established in July 2024 to specifically target criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry and transitioned to Taskforce Hawk in June 2025.
This was in response to a number of fresh allegations of serious and violent criminal behaviour.
Taskforce Hawk is focused on assessing new intelligence and evidence relating to allegations of criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry.
It also continues to proactively target organised crime associated with the sector, including a focus on any individuals employed within the construction industry who have known links to outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Police are also instigating approaches with relevant industry stakeholders to gather intelligence, as well as working closely with a range of law enforcement partners, regulators and government authorities.
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 Acting Inspector Ross Mitchell, Taskforce Hawk:
"Fire is absolutely uncontrollable and unpredictable - these fires had the potential to cause significant property damage and even loss of life.
"Detectives from Taskforce Hawk believe that the reason for these fires is connected to corrupt activity within the building industry, and we are keen to speak to anyone who can provide further information around that.
"We are keen to know who may have been involved in lighting the fires, and also who may be responsible for directing them.
"Any piece of information may prove crucial, so we encourage people to come forward and as always, information can also be supplied anonymously via Crime Stoppers."
