Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have today charged two men following an alleged extortion and a subsequent arson at a tobacco store in Wangaratta in July 2023.
Two search warrants were executed early this morning (23 January) at residential addresses in Doreen and Mickleham.
A 23-year-old Doreen man, who police will allege was the man captured in the vision of the incident, was arrested at his home address.
He has been charged with extortion with threat to destroy property, possess cannabis and fail to comply with direction to provide assistance (465AAA order).
The man will face Melbourne Magistrates' Court this afternoon.
A 31-year-old Mickleham man, who police will allege was filming the video, was also arrested at his home address.
He has been charged will 11 counts of possess drug of dependence (prescription drugs) and has been bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on 27 May.
This morning's activity follows a public appeal for information earlier this week regarding two incidents which occurred in July 2023.
In the first incident, two men entered the Murphy Street store around 4pm on Tuesday, 4 July allegedly demanding the member of staff close down the store immediately or it would be burnt down.
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.
Investigations into that incident remain ongoing.
Detectives from Taskforce Lunar would like to thank media and members of the public who provided information following their appeal for public assistance on Monday of this week.
Anyone with any information about 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 online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
