Encrypted platforms are fuelling a new wave of organised crime in Melbourne, with authorities warning the so-called “alcohol wars” are being coordinated online. Pressure is mounting on police and governments to crack down on the digital platforms being used to recruit young people to carry out arson attacks on bars and nightclubs.
Nearly 20 incidents have been recorded since February, targeting venues including Bar Bambi, The Emerson and France-Soir. Speaking on Sunrise, Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the rise of encrypted platforms was changing how organised crime operates. He called it a “new frontier in crime”, with underworld figures using these platforms to outsource attacks.
“It’s like AirTasker, except it’s being called CrimeTasker,” he said. “For a couple of hundred bucks, kids will take a payment to undertake an arson attack.”
Former Victoria Police detective Charlie Bezzina said the attacks were likely being driven by profit, with “old-fashioned extortion” one possible motive. “You pay us money, and we won’t burn your business down,” he said. He added that another possibility mirrored the tactics seen in the tobacco wars, with criminal groups potentially importing alcohol illegally to avoid excise.
Reece urged authorities to focus on disrupting the platforms enabling the attacks. “Victoria Police, who I think do an excellent job, they obviously need to step up their investigations around these platforms,” he said.
The comments come after three teenagers aged 16, 17, and 18 were arrested over an alleged arson attempt at Bar Bambi in Flinders Lane. Despite the incidents, Reece stressed Melbourne remained a safe city, noting strong weekend foot traffic across the CBD. “The fact is, Melbourne, Sydney and other Australian cities remain very safe,” he said. “It’s important we get on top of this spate of arson attacks so Melbourne can continue to rise.”
