Spate of attacks on Melbourne nightlife venues forms focus of new police operation

Tuesday, 28 April 2026 20:22

Fifteen late-night arson attacks and shootings have taken place at hospitality venues across the Melbourne CBD, South Melbourne and Prahran between April 14 and 27.

A dedicated police operation has been set up to tackle "serious and organised crime syndicates" believed to be linked to a rapid spate of attacks on Melbourne nightlife venues.

Fifteen late-night arson attacks and shootings have taken place at hospitality venues across the Melbourne CBD, South Melbourne and Prahran between April 14 and 27.

Police have also linked two kidnappings to the incidents.

Fifteen late-night arson attacks and shootings have taken place at hospitality venues across Melbourne's CBD, South Melbourne and Prahran between April 14 and 27.

"Predominantly this has involved arson attacks, however we are also seeing instances where a firearm has been discharged or people have been kidnapped," Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said.

"The danger these offences place the community in is both significant and unacceptable."

Today Victoria Police announced the establishment of Operation Eclipse, which will focus on unearthing who is behind the attacks and why.

"We have a very open mind as to what is behind this. We are yet to determine the motive, everything is currently on the table," Kelly said.

Police said they were keeping a "very open mind" as to who could be behind the attacks.

"We have identified specific venues and a list, so we've worked very closely with those venues in particular," Kelly said.

Police claim none of the venues received demands for money before they were targeted.

Twelve people have so far been arrested, most of them young "street gang members" who were tasked through encrypted apps, Kelly said.

Two 16-year-old boys were charged over a foiled firebombing at Leftbank in Southbank yesterday morning.

Police allege the teens were using the encrypted app Signal, telling the court of a message from 3.27am that read, "Yo what's eta on leftbank".

Another read, "Make sure you record it or we don't get paid".

Police say young "street gang members" are typically tasked through encrypted apps to carry out the attacks.

Kelly said those contracted to carry out attacks are paid as little as $500, although that figure can reach as much as $20,000.

A major line of inquiry for detectives is the illicit trade of spirits after a Keysborough factory went up in flames on Friday.

"We are aware of information that potentially alcohol can be brought into the country avoiding tax, for example, now I'm not necessarily saying that's what happened here, but it is something we're looking at," Kelly said.

Police are also examining similarities to Melbourne's tobacco wars.

"What we can say is the methodology utilised in the illicit tobacco conflict over the last couple of years. which is basically arson as an intimidatory tactic is the link, and the way it's being tasked," Kelly said.

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