ESSENDON, VIC. — On Wednesday, Moonee Valley Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested and charged an 18-year-old man in Cranbourne East with blackmail.
Police will allege a blackmail message was sent via a social media platform on September 23, followed by an ongoing series of extortion incidents related to the same address on Braemar Street in Essendon over the last two months.
The 18-year-old was charged with blackmail and bailed to appear at Melbourne County Court on February 3, 2027.
An 18-year-old Coolaroo man and a 16-year-old boy from the Hume area were charged with arson after two cars were set alight at the Braemar Street address on September 25.
They were also charged in relation to an arson at a factory on Flight Drive, Tullamarine on September 28.
The 18-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on December 15.
The 16-year-old was remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
No one was physically injured during these incidents.
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
