MELBOURNE, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Police in Australia's state of Victoria are investigating a surge in organized attacks targeting hospitality venues in the state capital Melbourne, with 34 incidents linked since early April.
The crimes, including firebombings and shootings, are being probed under Operation Eclipse and are believed to be linked to organized crime, Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Mike Bush told a press conference on Wednesday.
"We've had a real escalation that we're addressing through Operation Eclipse," Bush said, adding that police are working to determine the real motive behind the attacks.
So far, 35 people have been arrested and more than 140 charges laid, he said. Authorities said young offenders were recruited via online apps to carry out attacks targeting adult entertainment businesses.
In the latest incident, a car dealership in Port Melbourne was firebombed early Wednesday, days after opening. Police have not yet determined whether it is connected to the broader series of attacks. ■
