DANDENONG STAR JOURNAL
Home » Third man arrested over alleged $25m arsons

Third man arrested over alleged $25m arsons

Three men have been arrested as part of a police investigation into two alleged factory arsons causing $25 million in damage.

Police say the fires at factories in Bayswater and Kilsyth in December 2024 and January 2025 are linked.

Knox CIU detectives raided a property in Frankston, and arrested a 39-year-old Frankston man in Dandenong on Thursday 17 April.

He was charged with two counts of criminal damage by fire, theft of motor vehicle, and handle stolen goods.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that day.

On Wednesday 2 April, a 39-year-old Dandenong man was arrested following a police raid at a Nar Nar Goon property.

He was charged with three counts of criminal damage by fire, and three counts of theft of a motor vehicle.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 20 June.

A 38-year-old Dandenong North man was also arrested after his home was raided by police.

Police alleged seized illicit drugs from the address.

He was charged with criminal damage by fire and bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 22 July.

Police say the first fire occurred around 4am on Monday, 23 December at a business on Melrich Road in Bayswater.

The second incident took place around 3am on Wednesday, 1 January at a separate business on Canterbury Road in Kilsyth.

The investigation remains ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out, police say.

“We know there are others connected to these incidents, and we will continue to pursue every lead until everyone is held accountable,” Detective Inspector Glen Cruse of Victoria Police said.

“If you were involved, we strongly encourage you to come forward now—before we come knocking.”

Any information, CCTV or dashcam footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Digital Editions


  • Monitors costing ratepayers small fortune

    Monitors costing ratepayers small fortune

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 243203 The state government has been criticised for the extension of municipal monitors at Kingston Council at an enormous…

More News

  • Firefighters warn Premier Jacinta Allan of fire truck crisis

    Firefighters warn Premier Jacinta Allan of fire truck crisis

    Career/professional and volunteer firefighters are warning Premier Jacinta Allan about the critical lack of firefighting capability after fire services budgets were allegedly cut despite the State Government controversial tax. Ahead…

  • Zauner to join Panther legends with 400 games on the board

    Zauner to join Panther legends with 400 games on the board

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 452740 Milestone mania is sweeping across Devon Meadows Cricket Club this week with the Panthers celebrating some significant achievements to kick off the new…

  • CCCA select Country Week class

    CCCA select Country Week class

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 457678 The Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) has selected a strong squad of 16 players to represent the league at the 2026 Melbourne Country…

  • Looking Back

    Looking Back

    100 years ago 21 January 1926 Dandenong Baths The baths, which were of concrete, were completed, and were 60ft by 120ft., with a depth of 7ft. 6in. at one end…

  • Three arrested after Hampton Park aggravated home invasion

    Three arrested after Hampton Park aggravated home invasion

    Three teens from Casey and Greater Dandenong have been arrested following an aggravated home invasion in Hampton Park on the morning of Friday 16 January. It is alleged that three…

  • Panda Mart faces 130 charges over alleged unsafe electrical products

    Panda Mart faces 130 charges over alleged unsafe electrical products

    Cranbourne’s International discount retailer Panda Mart is facing 130 charges for electrical safety offences related to allegedly stocking dozens of dangerous lamp models and other household electrical goods, some that…

  • $4 million Doveton Pool redevelopment underway

    $4 million Doveton Pool redevelopment underway

    The $4 million redevelopment at Doveton Pool began on Tuesday 13 January, with the next phase of construction endeavouring to deliver modern and accessible facilities. The special ceremony was joined…

  • Knights succeed in big chase

    Knights succeed in big chase

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 519206 The top of the table clash between Keysborough and Springvale South in DDCA Turf 3 was set to be an enthralling contest…and it…

  • EJ makes Masterful moves

    EJ makes Masterful moves

    Cranbourne-trainer Enver Jusufovic called in help from all quarters – New Zealand and the greyhound fraternity – to help his seven-year-old gelding Masterful win the fifth race of his career…

  • Son’s Gallant performance as Pozman picks path to success

    Son’s Gallant performance as Pozman picks path to success

    Pakenham trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman could almost have set up camp in the winners’ stall at Flemington over the years; but a regulation win in an $80,000 Benchmark-70…