Detectives charged two men yesterday as part of their investigation into the alleged extortion of the owner of a Braybrook tobacco store earlier this year.
Police executed two warrants at properties in Port Melbourne and Broadmeadows on the morning of Thursday, April 24, arresting a 26-year-old Port Melbourne man and a 21-year-old Broadmeadows man.
The pair were interviewed and subsequently each charged with one count of extortion with threat to destroy or endanger property.
The men were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 28.
Thursday’s arrests follow an incident at a Braybrook store on 25 February this year.
Police will allege the men entered the store, telling the owner they were “Kaz’s boys” and demanding to be sold the store for $70,000.
An argument with the owner occurred and the men subsequently left the store.
Two days later the owner received a phone call threating that the shop would be burned down if he did not comply.
On March 24, a 29-year-old Port Melbourne man was arrested in relation to the incident and subsequently charged with extortion with threat to destroy or endanger property.
He will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 16.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppers.com.au
