Taskforce Lunar detectives have made more than 80 arrests and executed over 200 search warrants in the first year of operation.
Established in October 2023, Taskforce Lunar targets organised crime syndicates and their involvement in the illicit tobacco trade in Victoria.
Whilst illicit tobacco doesn't generally sit within state law enforcement responsibility, the increased prevalence of serious and organised crime, including arson, extortion and firearms related violence necessitates it being a top priority for Victoria Police.
Since its inception the Taskforce has arrested 82 people, many of these offenders have been charged with serious offences including extortion, arson, firearms offences and aggravated burglary.
Detectives, along with the assistance of other state, territory and national partners have executed over 200 search warrants of tobacco stores around Victoria, suspected of selling illicit tobacco and vapes.
These warrants have resulted in the seizure of cash, illicit tobacco and vapes with the total value in excess of $37 million, as well 19 firearms, including seven handguns.
Since October 2023, there have been 105 arson attacks at, or linked to, tobacco stores around the state.
Detectives believe that most of the stores targeted sell illicit tobacco and vapes.
Victoria Police continue to investigate these incidents of arson, a dangerous weapon used by feuding organised crime groups.
Taskforce Lunar detectives have, and continue to, engage directly with tobacco shops and landlords in a bid to reduce the risk of arson and extortion which not only impact the tobacco stores but neighbouring businesses and the broader community.
Whilst the majority of these fires have resulted in no injuries, they are often targeted to shops in residential areas or part of residential buildings.
Taskforce Lunar detectives continue to work with a range of specialised Victoria Police resources including the Crime Scene and Forensic Officers, Gang Crime Squad, Arson and Explosives Squad, Echo Taskforce, Viper Taskforce and Criminal Proceeds Squad.
The taskforce also works with regional police to target serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco and vape trade in regional areas of Victoria.
Victoria Police continues to support local councils and the Department of Health, Victoria who have reasonability for tobacco and vape enforcement and compliance.
Detectives continue to work alongside external agencies such as the ABF, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AFP, Australian Taxation Office and interstate counterparts as some are now facing similar patterns of offending.
Victoria Police has identified a number of organised crime syndicates, including state, national and global organise crime syndicates involved in the illicit tobacco conflict.
These syndicates are comprised of personnel from Middle Eastern Organised Crime groups and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, who are then engaging local networked youth, and youth gangs to carry out the offending.
Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who has information about these incidents and who is responsible to come forward.
Anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about illicit tobacco and serious organised crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly, Crime Command:
"Organised crime syndicates and their serious and organise crime offending, linked to the infiltration of the tobacco industry, remains a top priority of Victoria Police.
Over the last year we have seen a significant amount of work done by our Lunar Taskforce detectives and intelligence practitioners to identify these networks, disrupt their criminal activities and make a high number of arrests and seizures.
However, as arson attacks continue, both in Victoria and interstate, we remain concerned over the safety of the broader community.
The likelihood of serious injury or death occurring is both a real possibility and concerning.
We will continue to target these serious and organised crime networks and work with industry, government agencies at the local, state and national level to reduce the risk of harm to the community.
If you know anything about these criminal networks or incidents - who is involved and why - then we urge you to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
