A 38-year-old South Perth man has been charged in connection with the alleged firebombing of a convenience store in Bunbury, Western Australia, suspected of ties to the illicit tobacco trade. The fire on January 4 gutted the 'This and That' store and damaged neighboring businesses.
Police allege Anthony James Owen Sefonte and another unknown suspect traveled to Bunbury, broke into the store, and deliberately set it alight. Detectives arrested Sefonte in South Perth on Tuesday, allegedly finding a homemade firearm, ammunition, methylamphetamine, cannabis, and a dagger.
Sefonte has been charged with eight offenses, including aggravated burglary and criminal damage by fire. He appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody until his next appearance on February 11.
South West District Detective Inspector Andy Elliott said the business had been monitored as part of an ongoing crackdown on WA's illicit tobacco trade. He alleged the store had ties to that trade and said further investigations would determine Sefonte's motivations and associates.
The charges come amid a broader crackdown by Taskforce Maverick, which has laid dozens of charges for offenses including arson, burglary, and drug crimes. Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan McGuggon said police would be relentless in investigating crimes linked to the illicit tobacco industry, noting organized crime groups often recruit low-level criminals with promises of payment that never materialize.
