Overview
- La Di Da in Melbourne’s CBD, which caught fire about 3:30am Tuesday, is being treated as a suspicious attack under Operation Eclipse after witnesses reported a car leaving the scene.
- Victoria Police said Wednesday they have made 35 arrests and laid more than 140 charges linked to the nightlife crime spree.
- Operation Eclipse, now led by senior detectives from a high‑profile missing‑person case, is working with the Australian Federal Police and Border Force to track suspected syndicates.
- Venue operators report WhatsApp threats signed “The Cartel” as police say recruiters use encrypted apps to pay young people to carry out arson and related attacks.
- Industry leaders warn the violence could spill into black‑market alcohol conflicts and urge faster government action to prevent escalation.