Authorities in Sydney are intensifying their search for a suspected serial arsonist, believed to be a “freelance” criminal working for organised crime groups. This individual has reportedly targeted two businesses located over 100 kilometres apart, with incidents occurring nine months apart.
In May, an explosion was recorded at the Vietnamese eatery, Eat Pho, located on Tuohy Lane in Marrickville. Surveillance footage captured the moment a man arrived, lit a trail of flammable material, and proceeded to ignite the restaurant. Alarmingly, the same location was visited by a hooded figure a day earlier, seen darting in and out before the premises were engulfed in flames.
The restaurant’s staff expressed their concerns, with employee Rita Duong stating, “It’s so scary, I can’t believe he can do this.” She added that such attacks pose a significant danger to their establishment.
This latest incident ties into a previous arson at a tobacconist in Ettalong Beach last August, which was completely destroyed within minutes. Financial Crimes Squad Commander Gordon Arbinja noted, “We believe the tobacconist was targeted to eliminate competition.” Investigators are now trying to ascertain the motive behind the targeting of the Vietnamese restaurant, especially so long after the prior incident.
The owner of Eat Pho has voiced serious concerns for his family’s safety, uncertain as to why his business has come under threat. Arbinja confirmed that the arsonist is believed to have links with organised crime, stating, “We believe that these people were recruited by organised criminal networks and work as freelancers for these criminal networks to commit these acts.”
The suspect was last seen driving a grey Toyota Hilux, prompting law enforcement to appeal to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of this dangerous individual. The investigation continues as authorities aim to uncover the specifics of this troubling series of events.