- Published:
- Friday 15 May 2026 at 5:38 pm
Victoria Police have charged three males as part of the Operation Eclipse investigation into incidents targeted at Melbourne hospitality venues.
Detectives from Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit executed two search warrants at residential addresses in the Whittlesea area at 7.30am this morning.
Two 17-year-old boys were taken into custody and have since been interviewed by detectives.
The boys have since been charged with:
- criminal damage by fire (arson)
- possess drug of dependence
- possess firearm
- theft of motor vehicle
- theft
The pair will face a children’s court at a later date.
A firearm, numerous electronic devices and a quantity of drugs were seized from their addresses.
The activity follows an alleged incident where five Molotov cocktails were thrown towards a licensed venue on Cecil Street in South Melbourne about 2.20am on 2 May.
Detectives from Operation Eclipse have this morning arrested a 20-year-old Tarneit man as part of their investigation into extortion demands on two venues in Melbourne’s CBD.
On Thursday, 7 May it’s alleged two demands for money were made via social media to venues on Flinders Lane and Lonsdale Street.
The man was charged with possess prohibited weapon without exemption and possess cartridge ammunition without exemption.
He was bailed to appear at Wyndham Magistrates’ Court on 12 June.
A number of knives, ammunition and a mobile phone were seized from his address.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Operation Eclipse commenced duty 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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