It is unclear whether the firebombing of the Aston Martin dealership is linked to a wave of attacks on hospitality venues and owners across Melbourne. A police spokesperson said detectives would attend the business this morning to investigate further. The Age on Thursday revealed venue owners targeted in firebombings had begun receiving extortion demands for $10,000 a month. “Your payment of 10k per month starts today,” messages to owners read. “Hurry the f— up.” Threatening messages were previously sent to venues, believed to have been
delivered by an Iraq-based gang known as “the Cartel”, which includes a 23-year-old who was a key member of Kazem “Kaz” Hamad’s organised crime crew. The crew were behind the tobacco wars. The Richmond dealership on Swan Street has long been the head office of Bobby Zagame’s car retail business. In 2013, he paid about $10 million for neighbouring properties to expand his car empire and control about 9000 square metres of the major thoroughfare.
Melbourne, Richmond, Swan Street, Aston Martin, firebombing, extortion, $10,000 a month, hospitality venues, Kazem Kaz Hamad, organised crime crew, the Cartel, tobacco wars, Bobby Zagame
10 grand a month?? That’s insane.
So they firebomb the car place and then demand money like it’s a subscription? I don’t get how cops don’t already know who it is. Also Melbourne Richmond sounds like it’s always something going down.
“the Cartel” like Mexico cartel?? Or are they just calling it that because it’s easier to say. If it’s linked to “tobacco wars” doesn’t that mean this is really about cigarettes not cars? Either way, whoever did it is trash. I saw something like this on TikTok too.
Aston Martin dealership gets firebombed and now it’s extortion for $10,000 a month, wow. But like… if the messages said “starts today” then wouldn’t they’ve already paid or something? Idk. Also “Iraq-based gang” is such a big claim, I’m not saying it’s not true, just feels like everyone jumps to that and then nothing changes. Meanwhile they talk about Bobby Zagame’s properties like that’s why, but people always do that, blame the rich car guy.