Police charged two men on Wednesday evening, February 14, after the alleged extortion of Craigieburn tobacco store.
A 21-year-old Mickleham man was arrested and charged with extortion with threats to destroy property, reckless conduct endangering serious injury and unlicensed driving.
Police seized a silver Mercedes Benz he was driving.
A 21-year-old Greenvale man was also arrested and charged with threats to destroy property.
Police charged the two men after they reportedly threatened a worker and the owner of a convenience store on Fairways Boulevard in Craigieburn on Tuesday evening, attempting to extort money from the business.
Crime Command Commander Paul O’Halloran said these are key arrests and testaments to the work led by Taskforce Lunar to target those involved in these organised crime syndicates.
“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 business near tobacco stores to come forward and provide police with any information they have.
“To be blunt, we know there are people out there with information that could assist us.
“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.
“The arson attacks in particular 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, however we need your support and assistance.”
The duo will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court Thursday, February 15.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
