Incident
Emergency services responded to a house fire at 44 Fitzgerald Road in Essendon at approximately 2:50 AM on Monday. The property, owned by Antonella Misale—the sister of gangland figure Rocco Arico—sustained significant damage.
FRV crews contained the blaze to the rear of the property, where the roof collapsed. The fire was under control within 30 minutes.
Police are treating the fire as suspicious. The property was unoccupied at the time, with a 'for lease' sign present. The home was expected to be rented in the coming days.
Police Investigation
Police have established a crime scene at the address. Fire investigators will work to determine the cause of the blaze. The property's unoccupied status is a key element of the investigation.
Background on Rocco Arico
Rocco Arico, a known gangland figure, was previously convicted for drug trafficking and other offenses. He has since completed his prison term.
Arico is currently in immigration detention, pending deportation to Italy. He is appealing his convictions, citing potential contamination by his former lawyer, Joseph "Pino" Acquaro.
Government Response
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan commented on the recent spate of firebombing attacks across the state.
"These attacks are being driven by gutless thugs and an element of young people being exploited."
Allan noted the government has increased penalties for recruiting young people into crime and toughened bail laws in response to the trend.