Police are still investigating the local branch of an alleged international criminal network, but they have already prosecuted and detained the suspected ringleader of Melbourne’s illegal tobacco war.
As part of the continuous struggle between Middle Eastern crime gangs, Majid Alibadi, 25, is allegedly in charge of supervising the firebombing of several businesses and residential structures.
Alibadi and two other people were taken into custody yesterday; according to the police, the three have ties to a transnational criminal organisation.
Investigators think Alibadi was behind several arson attacks on establishments in the previous year, including two fires at a Docklands restaurant, a fire at a Tullamarine reception centre, a fire at a tobacco store in Glenroy, a fire at a smash repair company in Williamstown North, and a fire at another Docklands restaurant.
The events took place between October and December.
According to Detective Inspector Graham Banks, the individual was being led by an international crime lord, but police thought he was one of the local syndicates’ ringleaders.
Alibadi, an Epping resident, is allegedly a part of the international gang that is behind the arson attacks, according to the police.
It’s thought that two criminal groups from the Middle East are engaged in a struggle for control of the illicit tobacco and e-cigarette markets.
Alibadi appeared in court today on four charges of extortion and arson.
A 48-year-old Thomastown resident was charged with handling stolen items and crimes involving weapons in the meantime.
After being questioned, a Campbellfield man, 40, was let go.
A raid that resulted in the arrests also yielded the seizure of roughly $1.6 million worth of contraband.
Banks stated that even though the arrest may cause disruptions to the local market, the mysterious market will remain intact.
“This particular syndicate is a worldwide network that relates to a massive market worth millions of dollars,” Banks stated.
“There’s nothing that will stop this person from trying to control that market, but it will disrupt his particular business for some time.”
