Second Docklands restaurant set alight in potential extension of tobacco wars

Melbourne’s gangland wars seem to be heating up after another Docklands restaurant was set alight.

The fire is the second in the precinct in just a matter of weeks.

The latest firebombing took place at Lebanese restaurant Almina on Glenti Place in the early hours of Friday morning.

Police are currently investigating the blaze along with the connection between the owners of the two eateries.

“We’re very much looking through the history of the people who own those premises,” he said. “Nothing at this stage is leading out as to why they would be included, but we’re certainly pursuing those lines of inquiry,” Detective Inspector Graham Banks said.

Witnesses saw three offenders smashing Almina’s window before a suspected accelerant was used to set it alight.

One witness said she was woken by the commotion of residents who had heard bangs and seen flames.

She said one person texted her: “It’s all happening this morning … What sounded like gunshots for two minutes was smashing windows. Then a massive fireball and a car driving off.

“I’m not sure it was necessarily gunshots. It may just be bangs that the person thought were gunshots,” she said.

The witness, first name Chris, withheld her surname in fear of repercussions.

On November 20, New Quay restaurant Karizma was destroyed in an arson attack, the second time the venue had been targeted in three days.

Karizma is owned by crime figure Fadi Haddara, who has been linked to drug trafficking, illicit tobacco importations and violence for more than a decade.

Police are investigating connections between the two owners and whether Melbourne’s illicit tobacco trade is playing a role.
The tobacco wars have led to more than two dozen arson attacks across the city.

Any witnesses to either incident are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Jonathan Jackson, 12^th December 2023