Arson Attack on Melbourne Tobacco Shop Raises Concerns

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Dec.26.2023

Arson Attack on Melbourne Tobacco Shop Raises Concerns

An Australian tobacco store in Melbourne was set ablaze by arsonists crashing a car into the storefront.

According to a report by 9news on December 25th, a tobacco shop in Melbourne, Australia was targeted in an arson attack. At least two arsonists rammed a car into the storefront's roller shutter door, poured accelerant inside, and set it on fire. The neighboring office at a nearby intersection was also severely damaged.

Local residents expressed disappointment over the incident, as this place is considered "a community".

During the investigation of the burned remains of a shop, detectives have uncovered an illegal stash of cigarettes known as "chop chop." Investigators are currently examining whether this arson case is linked to a series of arson incidents related to the control of illicit tobacco trade by two Middle Eastern criminal syndicates.

It is believed that the key participant in question is Kazem Hamad, who stands accused of being an underground crime boss. He was deported earlier this year and is now facing allegations of orchestrating the events in Dubai.

Since March, more than 30 shops and associated properties have been burned down due to the ongoing conflict. However, as these attacks escalated, Victoria state police have intensified their efforts, arresting over a dozen suspected criminals and seizing smuggled goods worth millions of dollars.

References:

[1] Melbourne tobacco shop set alight in Christmas Day ram-raid

Also Read:

[1] Man Causes Chaos on Plane by Vaping and Urinating

[2] Australia's South Australia Passes Strict Tobacco Regulations to Promote Heart Health

[3] Heart Foundation Commends Australian Parliament on New Tobacco Control Legislation

#Law enforcement #Traditional tobacco #Disposable e-cigarettes #Australia #Oceania #E-cigarette shops

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