Police reveal online identities linked to Melbourne violent crimes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 21:15 · Archive

Victorian Police are appealing for information about online identities allegedly used to coordinate violent attacks and arson by organised crime groups.

Victorian Police have appealed for information about three online identities—Onepercent, Motion and Work—believed to be linked with tasking serious violent acts on behalf of organised crime groups. The handles may be connected to arson attacks on licensed venues in Melbourne earlier this year, including Bar Bambi in Melbourne's CBD and The George Hotel in South Melbourne.

Police launched Operation Eclipse in April following the firebombed venues. Detective Acting Inspector Simon Pengelly from the Armed Crime Squad said organised crime groups are increasingly using encrypted apps and messenger services to task young people with carrying out violent acts. "Tasking criminal offences while hidden behind an online platform is not a faceless crime," he said.

Investigators urged anyone who has had contact with the handles to come forward. A 19-year-old Tarneit man was charged in connection with an April 22 incident in which males allegedly forced entry into a Springvale address and kidnapped another man. Police allege the man was seriously assaulted, including partial amputation of a finger, in an attempt to gain information about someone with links to the security industry. He faced charges including aggravated home invasion and kidnapping. In July, a 20-year-old, Jesse Hadchiti, was arrested in relation to the arson attacks.

How it is being reported

• Online identities linked to violent attacks revealedSeveral online identities believed to be linked with the tasking of criminal violence and arson attacks have been revealed in an appeal for information.The West Australian · 28 Oct, 21:02
• Online identities linked to violent attacks revealedSeveral online identities believed to be linked with the tasking of criminal violence and arson attacks have been revealed in an appeal for information.Perth Now · 28 Oct, 21:02

In this story: Victorian Police · Bar Bambi · The George Hotel · Melbourne · Simon Pengelly · Jesse Hadchiti

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