Fourth male charged following mistaken identity kidnapping linked to hospitality venue

Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have this afternoon charged a fourth male as part of their investigation into incidents potentially linked to the targeting of hospitality venues.

Investigators will allege those involved have been targeting promoters for an event held at a licensed venue on York Street on Saturday nights.

With assistance from Operation Eclipse, a 22-year-old Wollert man was arrested shortly before 1pm in South Morang.

He has since been charged with kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment and assault related offences.

The man will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later today.

Today’s activity follows an incident where police were called to reports a man was kidnapped in Malvern on Tuesday, 14 April.

It is understood a number of male offenders arrived in a vehicle outside the residential address just after 9pm.

Police were told a male occupant came to the door before the offenders entered the house, assaulting him and forcing him into a waiting vehicle.

The man was later dropped off at a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police believe the incident was targeted but at the wrong address.

On 29 April, three males aged 17 were charged in relation to a number of linked incidents.

They will appear at a children’s court at a later date.

Operation Eclipse commenced on 27 April to target a range of serious and organised crime syndicates believed to be involved in a series of offending linked to hospitality venues, as well as determining the motive for these attacks.

The operation, led by specialist detectives including the Gang Crime Squad and Arson and Explosives Squad continues to work closely with local police, in particular regional detectives who continue to respond to and investigate these incidents.

The specialist resources in Operation Eclipse will focus on the organisers and those pulling the strings. Investigators are continuing to look at all possible motivations behind the offending including who is involved and why.

Police remain open to a range of possibilities and we encourage anyone with any information to come forward.

Police continue to have an increased presence in both an overt and a covert capacity throughout these entertainment precincts, including increased patrols of these areas and visits to licensed premises.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Media Unit
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