Man jailed for firearm offences linked to tobacco wars

A man has been jailed for illegally possessing three guns, including one stored in a fridge, after being arrested by detectives investigating Victoria's tobacco wars.

Frederico Bruno, 48, appeared via video link at Heidelberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, after he was arrested by Victoria Police Taskforce Lunar detectives in January.

Taskforce Lunar was set up to investigate suspicious fires at tobacco stores across the state.

Bruno was found with three guns and ammunition, including a loaded handgun stored in the fridge at his mechanic shop in Thomastown, a court was told on January 31. 

He was initially charged with eight offences, but pleaded guilty to three offences in court on Tuesday.

The admitted charges included his illegal possession of two or more firearms and ammunition without a licence.

The remaining five charges - including possession of an unregistered handgun, two long-arm guns and receiving stolen goods - were withdrawn.

Magistrate Helen Murphy handed Bruno a three-month prison sentence and he must perform 150 hours of unpaid community work upon release.

She warned him to "stay out of trouble" while on the 18-month community corrections order.

Bruno has already served 28 days of his sentence.

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store