Arson attacks on Adelaide restaurants linked to illicit tobacco trade, SA police say as gang probe launched

Arson attacks on a popular restaurant in Adelaide’s west and several other businesses this year are being investigated over potential links to the illicit tobacco trade.

South Australia Police have established Operation Eclipse to probe arson, assaults and money laundering connected to gangs feuding over control of the illegal tobacco trade.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Police taskforce launched in bid to head off tobacco war.

Detectives have so far linked seven arson attacks to the trade.

These include an attack on Saray Kebab House on August 30 and another on the Alsultan Restaurant and Shisha Lounge on September 7.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by business owners subjected to attacks.

Police have identified 15 suspects who may be connected to the attacks.

Two other people have been arrested for money laundering and serious criminal trespass, and thousands of dollars in cash seized.

Detective Superintendent Shane Addison said police believed all seven attacks were linked, but it was unclear if they were perpetrated by the same people.

In Victoria, police are investigating about 100 fires since March last year linked to a tobacco turf war between feuding organised crime gangs wanting control of the industry.

It was rumoured South Australian tobacco sellers were being threatened to make payments to one of the gang figures or face attacks on their businesses.

Addison said South Australian police were working closely with their Victorian counterparts.

“South Australia Police will not tolerate criminal behaviour which poses a risk to the community,” he said.

“It is absolutely our intent to prevent ourselves getting into a position where we’ve had mass arsons in the way Victoria has.”