Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have this morning charged five men following an investigation into the alleged extortion of a victim who was told he had inherited a debt, and a subsequent arson.
A 24-year-old South Morang man was charged with extortion, criminal damage by fire and criminal damage.
He will appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court this afternoon.
A 25-year-old Wollert man was charged with criminal damage by fire and criminal damage.
A 25-year-old Wollert man was charged with possess prohibited weapon (knuckle dusters) and possess steroids.
Both men were bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on 27 July.
A 20-year-old man from Fraser Rise was charged with possess prohibited weapon (knuckle dusters).
He was bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates' Court on 25 July.
A 21-year-old Thomastown man was charged with possess prohibited weapon (knuckle dusters), possess cocaine, possess MDMA and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime.
He was bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates' Court on 21 May.
The charges follow an incident where it will be alleged the victim received a phone call from a male voice on a private number, wanting to meet him.
The victim declined the meeting but continued receiving phone calls from the same number.
He eventually answered the phone and was allegedly told he had inherited a $50,000 debt, which had now increased to $100,000.
The victim was told by the male caller to pay the money that night, and that the caller knew where the victim lived and where his family was.
The victim refused to meet with him and turned his phone off.
On Thursday, 20 March, a white Range Rover SUV is captured on CCTV pulling up near the victim's house.
A number of males can be seen exiting the car and setting fire to the victim's vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Anyone with information on serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
