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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n Bar owners targeted in a spate of firebombings across Melbourne have begun receiving extortion demands for $10,000 a month as the city\u2019s so-called bar wars continue to rage.<\/p>\n The demand says targeted businesses will be removed from \u201cthe list of destruction\u201d for one month upon sending proof of payment.<\/p>\n \u201cFor those who I have sent this message. Your payment of 10k per month starts today. Hurry the f\u2014 up. Once screenshot has been sent ur [sic] name is removed off the list of destruction for the month,\u201d the message reads.<\/p>\n The payment is to be made to the United Nations\u2019 World Food Program.<\/p>\n Related Article Police from Operation Eclipse \u2013 the unit investigating Melbourne\u2019s ongoing bar wars \u2013 are examining the threat to establish if it is authentic or a scam.<\/p>\n Some of the venue owners received other messages earlier this month<\/a>, including one which read: \u201cWe\u2019re after you, your family, your business, your homes and souls … We will take it by force if you don\u2019t comply the police can\u2019t help you its [sic] inevitable we won\u2019t stop till [sic] we get what we want.\u201d<\/p>\n Another message read: \u201cNow for those who want to get out of line. This is just the start and nowhere near the end and we will hurt you in ways your brain can\u2019t comprehend. Those who are running towards the hills we will be there as well burning the hills till nowhere is safe.\u201d<\/p>\n In recent weeks there has been a pause in the almost nightly spate of firebombings, leading police to believe an extortion demand would be made. They see it as a softening-up process.<\/p>\n Related Article Since February there have been 40 firebombings, shootings, home invasions and kidnappings linked to attacks on Melbourne\u2019s nightlife industry,<\/a> and about 50 arrests.<\/p>\n Detective Inspector Chris Murray told an industry meeting he believed an extortion demand would soon be made in the same way organised crime boss Kazem \u2018Kaz\u2019 Hamad levied a \u201ctax\u201d on retailers selling his illicit tobacco<\/a>.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, The Age confirmed that police are examining links between the firebombings and a member of Hamad\u2019s cartel now living in Iraq.<\/p>\n Police are investigating the allegation that the 23-year-old suspect was part of the team that carried out a failed hit on Sam \u2018The Punisher\u2019 Abdulrahim<\/a> in June 2022, when Abdulrahim was ambushed and repeatedly shot outside a funeral in Fawkner.<\/p>\n Underworld sources claim the suspect has found religion and speculate he is targeting \u201csinful\u201d Melbourne venues \u2013 including bars, brothels and strip clubs.<\/p>\n Related Article Victoria Police have made multiple arrests of teenage offenders allegedly tasked with carrying out firebombings and the abduction of bar owners.<\/p>\n The young \u201csoldiers\u201d cannot help identify the main offenders or the motive as they have been recruited anonymously through encrypted messaging apps, where police allege they are ordered to film the offence before being paid.<\/p>\n Police have been warning at-risk venues to increase security since the attacks began.<\/p>\n The owners of one targeted venue, The Emerson in Prahran, have used a 12-metre-long truck and shipping containers to protect its entrance.<\/p>\n Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts<\/a> on email or turn on notifications in the app.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"Arrest](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/64d7125a9ddbfe8cb75b079ea3e093fc3c8cb90d.jpeg\")
Arrest of arson suspect as part of Operation Eclipse.Victoria Police<\/p>\n![\"Arjun](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779340212_142_1458e0fac8f15b537772a4fb1fc4b9f1878ddf90.jpeg\")
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