Coordinated Attacks Rock Melbourne Hospitality Venues
A series of coordinated attacks, including arson, firebombings, drive-by shootings, and kidnappings, has targeted hospitality venues across Melbourne since early 2026. Victoria Police has launched a dedicated taskforce, Operation Eclipse, which has made dozens of arrests and laid hundreds of charges as the motive for the campaign remains under investigation.
Scope of the Attacks
Since February 4, 2026, police have linked at least 34 to 40 incidents to the crime spree, including firebombings, arsons, home invasions, kidnappings, and shootings. Venues targeted include bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and strip clubs in the CBD, South Melbourne, South Yarra, Prahran, and Southbank.
Among the affected venues are: The Emerson, The Men's Gallery, Albion Hotel, Bar Bambi, France-Soir, Le Splendide, Love Machine, Soho Restaurant and Bar, Left Bank, Electric Bar, La Di Da, The Osborne, Kittens, and Gotham City. Some venues, including Bar Bambi and The Emerson, were attacked multiple times. Incidents also included a firebombing at an alcohol distribution company in Keysborough and a drive-by shooting at a brothel in Yarraville.
Police Response: Operation Eclipse
In late April, Victoria Police established Operation Eclipse, a specialist taskforce to investigate the attacks. The taskforce includes detectives from gang crime, arson and explosives, cybercrime, VIPER, and organised crime units. Deputy Commissioner Libby Murphy, Assistant Commissioner Marty O'Brien, and Crime Command Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly are leading the operation.
Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stated that the investigation is a "highest priority" for the force. Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed she has spoken with the Chief Commissioner regarding the situation.
As of mid-May, police reported that 35 to 65 people have been arrested and approximately 145 to 370 charges have been laid in connection with the attacks. Police stated that arrests have been made for all arson attacks on licensed venues in the CBD and several in Prahran, but noted that some offenders remain at large.
Recruitment and Methodology
Police have stated that young offenders, including minors, are being recruited via encrypted messaging applications such as Signal to carry out the attacks. Recruiters have reportedly used nicknames including "Scarface" and "Sinatra."
According to Detective Inspector Chris Murray of the Arson and Explosives Squad, perpetrators are typically paid between a few hundred dollars and $20,000 per job. He described the system as an "underworld gig economy" and a "crimetasker" arrangement, where offenders often do not know who hired them.
The youngest individuals charged in relation to the attacks are aged 14 to 17. Many have criminal histories including youth offences, substance abuse, and poor education engagement, according to police. Offenders have used stolen vehicles, jerry cans of fuel, and other materials. Police have also reported offenders using drones for surveillance before attacks.
Motive
The motive for the attacks remains unclear. Police have stated they are investigating multiple possible motives, including:
- Conflict within the hospitality industry
- Illicit alcohol trade
- Drug dealing
- Stand-over tactics and extortion
- Competition for security contracts
- Involvement of organized crime syndicates
- Religious or ideological reasons
Detective Inspector Chris Murray stated that while extortion was "a logical assumption," there is no evidence to support that theory. Venue owners have been cooperative and have denied receiving threats or extortion demands prior to attacks, according to police.
Police are investigating potential links to an Iraq-based organized crime syndicate believed to be connected to alleged underworld figure Kazem Hamad. An encrypted message sent to multiple venue owners from a contact labeled "The Cartel" warned recipients that attacks would continue. The message originated from a US telephone number but was traced to Iraq, according to police and underworld sources.
Investigators are also examining whether some attacks may be connected to a dispute over the supply of tax-free alcohol, specifically the exploitation of a $180 million-per-year tax break intended for craft spirit makers.
Incident Timeline (Selected Key Events)
- February 4: Ram-raid at The Emerson.
- March-April: Multiple firebombings and arson attempts at venues including Love Machine, Le Splendide, France-Soir, and Bar Bambi.
- April 23: Fire at the 80 Proof alcohol company in Keysborough caused $4.5 million in damage.
- April 25: Three teenage boys charged with criminal damage by fire at Bar Bambi.
- April 26: Drive-by shooting at The Emerson and firebombing at Bar Up in South Yarra.
- May 4-5: Three teenagers allegedly attacked La Di Da nightclub and Electric Bar in a series of ram-raids and arson attempts.
- May 6: Fire at La Di Da nightclub on King Street; drive-by shooting at Bodyline brothel in Yarraville.
- May 12: Arson attack at Kingsford Lawyers in Spotswood; fire deemed suspicious.
Industry and Government Response
Some venue owners reported receiving threatening messages demanding payments of up to $10,000 per month, with instructions to pay via the United Nations' World Food Program. Police are investigating whether these demands are authentic or opportunistic scams.
Venue operators have installed additional security measures including cast-iron grilles, bollards, secondary gates, new CCTV systems, and fire-suppression systems. Some venues, including The Emerson, have used shipping containers and trucks as barriers.
The Victorian government announced a $10 million Hospitality Security Fund on May 15 to provide CCTV, security doors, and alarms for affected venues. The City of Melbourne is working to incorporate private security cameras into its Safe City Camera network.
Police have encouraged the public to remain alert, particularly in entertainment precincts, and to report suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via their online confidential report.