Detectives from Taskforce Lunar are today releasing video and appealing for information following an extortion and a subsequent arson at a tobacco store in Wodonga in 2023.
The first incident occurred just after 4pm on Tuesday, 4 July, when two unknown men entered the Murphy Street store.
They approached a female staff member demanding she close the store immediately or threatening to burn the store down if she did not comply within 24 hours.
The men then forced the woman to call the owner of the store on her mobile phone, making the same threats to him.
Nobody was physically injured during the incident.
The second incident occurred at 12.45am on Thursday, 27 July when two men exit a white BMW, forcing entry into the same tobacco store.
An accelerant is poured, before the store is set alight and both men flee the scene.
Nobody was physically injured, but the store sustained significant damage during the incident.
Investigators are today releasing video of a man who entered the store during the 4 July incident and who they believed may be able to assist with their enquiries.
Detectives are hopeful someone may recognise him and be able to provide information on his current whereabouts.
Anyone who recognises the man or with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Taskforce Lunar:
"This kind of criminal behaviour is designed to create significant fear through the intimidation of the victims. The police and the community expect these offenders to be held to account for their violence and intimidation.
"The assistance we receive from the community is crucial in bringing a stop to this and again, I want to appeal to those who work in this industry or have businesses near tobacco stores to come forward and provide police with any information they have. It can always be done anonymously.
"If there are shop owners out there who have been approached to pay sums of money or who have been threatened in any way, then we urge you to contact police. If you recognise the man in the video, please come forward.
"Arson attacks put not only people's livelihoods at stake but also people's lives. We are doing everything we can to bring this dispute and the criminality linked to it to an end, but we need your support and assistance."
