Hospitality wars: who is recruiting children to firebomb Melbourne bars, nightclubs and restaurants?
More than 50 people have been arrested over alleged attacks on venues since April, but police still don’t know what’s behind the crime wave
TL;DR
- Three teenagers were arrested for allegedly torching or attempting to torch multiple hospitality businesses in Melbourne within a 24-hour period.
- Since April, over 50 people have been arrested in connection with nearly 40 incidents targeting the hospitality sector, including arson, shootings, and kidnappings.
- Police are investigating several scenarios for the attacks, including extortion, illicit liquor supply, drug trafficking, contract disputes, and ideological reasons.
- A significant number of those charged are minors, who are allegedly recruited by organized crime figures using encrypted messaging apps.
- The use of young offenders is attributed to their expendability and the likelihood of receiving lighter sentences compared to adults.
- Business owners express frustration and a sense of injustice over the lenient sentences given to young offenders, highlighting the significant financial and emotional impact of the attacks.
- Some targeted businesses have received cryptic messages via WhatsApp demanding payments after attacks, though police consider these potentially opportunistic.
- The "hospitality wars" have drawn criticism of the government's response, with a brothel even displaying anti-government messages.
- The industry remains largely silent on the issue due to fear for their safety, with owners noting that independent venues appear to be disproportionately targeted.
- The attacks have exacerbated existing challenges faced by the hospitality industry, leading some to question the viability of their businesses.