Overview
- Gotham City brothel in South Melbourne, struck by shots from a moving car early Thursday, is now being examined for links to the recent firebombings and shootings under the Operation Eclipse probe.
- Police on Wednesday charged three 17-year-old boys over attempted kidnappings and home invasions that targeted nightclub promoters tied to a South Melbourne event, and investigators are assessing whether the cases connect to the broader venue attacks.
- Victoria Police launched Operation Eclipse on Tuesday to find the organisers directing the strikes, formally linking 15 incidents since April 14 across the CBD, South Melbourne and Prahran, and reporting 12 arrests so far.
- Investigators say organisers are recruiting youths through encrypted apps and paying from about $500 up to $20,000, which mirrors tactics from Victoria’s illicit tobacco conflict, and two 16-year-olds were charged after a foiled arson attempt at Left Bank on Monday.
- Police are exploring motives that include an illicit alcohol market and drug disputes, with no confirmed extortion demands reported by most venues, and they warn venue operators to tighten safety plans as attacks risk harm to staff, patrons and Melbourne’s nightlife.