Sixth man arrested over series of arson attacks

A man has been charged over a carjacking and three arsons, including at an Altona tobacco store. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

A sixth man has been arrested over a series of arson attacks across Melbourne.

The 23-year-old Sunshine West man was arrested on Wednesday and charged with three counts of criminal damage by fire and aggravated carjacking.

It's alleged he was involved in fires at an Altona North cafe on January 9 and an Altona tobacco store and Sunshine West store on January 12.

He was also charged over a carjacking in Braybrook on January 12.

The man is expected to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday night.

Five other men were last week charged over the series of fires, including other incidents at tobacco stores in Croydon and Moe on Christmas Day. 

A number of those arrested have links to the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang.

A 17-year-old Yarraville boy was also interviewed and released pending further inquiries.

"These fires caused significant property damage and have a direct impact of people’s livelihoods," Detective Inspector Graham Banks said.

"We’ve also been extremely clear from the start that these fires have the potential to seriously injure or even kill someone.

"I want to assure the community that we are doing everything we can to hold everyone involved in this risky behaviour to account"

Taskforce Lunar has 29 active arson investigations, including the firebombing of tobacco stores, vehicles, gyms, restaurants and private addresses.

Investigators believe it's connected to Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs fighting over profits derived from the sale of illicit tobacco.

Police believe the syndicates are engaging young people, street gangs and other low-level criminals to carry out the offending.

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