Police probe organised crime link in Dandenong gym fire

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A gym in Melbourne’s south-east has been gutted by a deliberately lit fire that police say could be connected to a spate of firebombing attacks they believe were carried out by organised crime groups.

A Ford Territory crashed through the front door of the Fighters Xpress gym on Lonsdale Street in Dandenong just after 3.30am on Sunday, according to police. An unknown number of people exited the car and poured accelerant throughout the building before setting it on fire and fleeing.

Arson squad investigators at the scene of a suspicious fire at Fighters Xpress, a gym in Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Credit: Penny Stephens

Shortly after, emergency services were called to nearby Canberra Avenue, where a burning vehicle believed to be linked to the gym arson attack was located.

Police said on Sunday they were investigating whether the arson attack was linked to a spate of recent firebombings by gangs.

A feud between two organised crime groups is suspected of being behind nearly a dozen arson attacks across Melbourne, including the torching of Collingwood supermarket Sonsa Market on June 22.

The Age confirmed one of the homes damaged in the attacks is linked to a former member of the Comancheros. Police believe the man hasn’t been a patched member for a number of years but remains connected to the bikie club.

An aggressive push by the Comancheros to control drug prices and compel other gangs to put a floor price on cocaine while the market is awash with the drug has sent the underworld into turmoil, according to multiple police and underworld sources.

Detective Inspector Chris Murray, from the arson and explosive squad, said it was clear the Dandenong blaze was a deliberate and targeted attack, and all that remained of the gym was “a scene of absolute devastation”.

“We will be looking at why this premises was targeted, what the possible motives were,” he said.

“We don’t know whether it is linked to the previous series [of arson attacks], we won’t rule anything in or out at this stage.

“We have neighbouring businesses which have been impacted, so their livelihoods have now been compromised. This is the thing: arson is such a random crime, they can’t control what they’re doing.”

The gym fire is being investigated by the anti-gang Echo taskforce and the anti-organised crime VIPER taskforce, as well as the arson squad.

Murray warned those responsible that investigators would be “significantly upping the ante” following the Dandenong fire.

“To those people that have perpetrated that this act, expect a visit from the Echo and VIPER taskforces. That is an absolute given,” he said. “We will be absolutely vigorous in our pursuit of those who have targeted these premises.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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