Financial Crimes Squad detectives charge man over Central Coast tobacco shop fire

Tuesday, 05 November 2024 11:35:29 AM

Financial Crimes Squad detectives have charged a man for his alleged role in setting fire to Central Coast tobacconist earlier this year.

About 2.15am Thursday 22 August 2024, emergency services were called to a tobacco shop on the Pacific Highway, Charmhaven, following reports of a fire.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District arrived to find a tobacco shop well alight.

Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported.

Police established a crime scene and detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad’s Arson Unit commenced Strike Force Libourne to investigate the incident.

During the investigation, strike force detectives located CCTV vision of two men allegedly setting fire to the shop – with one male setting himself alight during the incident – before leaving the scene in an SUV.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested an 18-year-old man at a Silverwater correctional facility today (Tuesday 5 November 2024).

He was charged with destroy property in company use fire more than $5000.

He was refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 6 November 2024).

Investigations under Strike Force Libourne continue.

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