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The Advertiser
21-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Fatal fire probe 'getting closer' to answers as major reward announced
Detectives investigating a fatal fire that killed a beloved burlesque performer say they are "getting closer" to proving who was responsible, with a $500,000 reward for information announced. Katie Tangey, 27, was housesitting for her brother and his wife in Truganina on the night of January 16 when two alleged arsonists set fire to the Dover Street property. Investigators believe the arsonists, who were allegedly associated with Victoria's illicit tobacco trade, set fire to the wrong home. "Those responsible for Katie's death know they targeted the wrong house," Detective Inspector Chris Murray said. "And they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman," he said. Detectives were honing in on the alleged culprits after executing a search warrant in Dandenong on 12 June, police said. "We believe we know who directed this crime, and we know we are getting closer to proving who was responsible for carrying it out on the night," Detective Inspector Murray said. A reward of up to half a million dollars would be paid for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Ms Tangey's death, police said. The reward would be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police. Detective Inspector Murray said, "$500,000 is a lot of money - hopefully it will encourage those people out there who do know something to do the right thing and come forward". "Katie's family deserves answers," he said. Indemnification from prosecution could be granted to anyone who provided detectives with the identity of the principal offender or offenders, police said. Two men were allegedly seen on security footage fleeing the scene of the fire, holding a jerry can. The footage was enhanced by investigators in an attempt to identify the men. A composite image of one of the men was released in April, showing a person of Middle Eastern appearance, aged between 25 and 30 years old and with a slim build. Police said that a number of anonymous reports had provided useful information for the investigation, and detectives are keen to hear from anyone who recognised the man. CCTV showed two people getting out of a dark-coloured car, similar to a BMW X3 or X5, outside the Truganina home shortly after 2am on January 16. Police said a "significant explosion" set fire to the house as the alleged arsonists left the area. Emergency services were called to the home at 2.30am by Ms Tangey, who told the Triple Zero operator that the house was engulfed by flames. The family's golden retriever, Sonny, also died in the fire. Detectives have conducted a six-month investigation to determine the motivation for the attack. Investigators have worked closely with Taskforce Lunar, which is probing Melbourne's illicit tobacco war, to confirm that the arson was linked to the ongoing dispute. Investigators believe that Ms Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade, police said. "These people need to be held accountable for the fact that they committed a crime which ultimately led to the death of a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her," Detective Inspector Murray said. "I'd ask how these people can live with themselves knowing they've done that and I would ask how people who know what the offenders have done, how they can live with this knowledge and not come forward and assist police," he said. The investigation remains ongoing, police said. Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Detectives investigating a fatal fire that killed a beloved burlesque performer say they are "getting closer" to proving who was responsible, with a $500,000 reward for information announced. Katie Tangey, 27, was housesitting for her brother and his wife in Truganina on the night of January 16 when two alleged arsonists set fire to the Dover Street property. Investigators believe the arsonists, who were allegedly associated with Victoria's illicit tobacco trade, set fire to the wrong home. "Those responsible for Katie's death know they targeted the wrong house," Detective Inspector Chris Murray said. "And they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman," he said. Detectives were honing in on the alleged culprits after executing a search warrant in Dandenong on 12 June, police said. "We believe we know who directed this crime, and we know we are getting closer to proving who was responsible for carrying it out on the night," Detective Inspector Murray said. A reward of up to half a million dollars would be paid for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Ms Tangey's death, police said. The reward would be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police. Detective Inspector Murray said, "$500,000 is a lot of money - hopefully it will encourage those people out there who do know something to do the right thing and come forward". "Katie's family deserves answers," he said. Indemnification from prosecution could be granted to anyone who provided detectives with the identity of the principal offender or offenders, police said. Two men were allegedly seen on security footage fleeing the scene of the fire, holding a jerry can. The footage was enhanced by investigators in an attempt to identify the men. A composite image of one of the men was released in April, showing a person of Middle Eastern appearance, aged between 25 and 30 years old and with a slim build. Police said that a number of anonymous reports had provided useful information for the investigation, and detectives are keen to hear from anyone who recognised the man. CCTV showed two people getting out of a dark-coloured car, similar to a BMW X3 or X5, outside the Truganina home shortly after 2am on January 16. Police said a "significant explosion" set fire to the house as the alleged arsonists left the area. Emergency services were called to the home at 2.30am by Ms Tangey, who told the Triple Zero operator that the house was engulfed by flames. The family's golden retriever, Sonny, also died in the fire. Detectives have conducted a six-month investigation to determine the motivation for the attack. Investigators have worked closely with Taskforce Lunar, which is probing Melbourne's illicit tobacco war, to confirm that the arson was linked to the ongoing dispute. Investigators believe that Ms Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade, police said. "These people need to be held accountable for the fact that they committed a crime which ultimately led to the death of a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her," Detective Inspector Murray said. "I'd ask how these people can live with themselves knowing they've done that and I would ask how people who know what the offenders have done, how they can live with this knowledge and not come forward and assist police," he said. The investigation remains ongoing, police said. Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Detectives investigating a fatal fire that killed a beloved burlesque performer say they are "getting closer" to proving who was responsible, with a $500,000 reward for information announced. Katie Tangey, 27, was housesitting for her brother and his wife in Truganina on the night of January 16 when two alleged arsonists set fire to the Dover Street property. Investigators believe the arsonists, who were allegedly associated with Victoria's illicit tobacco trade, set fire to the wrong home. "Those responsible for Katie's death know they targeted the wrong house," Detective Inspector Chris Murray said. "And they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman," he said. Detectives were honing in on the alleged culprits after executing a search warrant in Dandenong on 12 June, police said. "We believe we know who directed this crime, and we know we are getting closer to proving who was responsible for carrying it out on the night," Detective Inspector Murray said. A reward of up to half a million dollars would be paid for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Ms Tangey's death, police said. The reward would be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police. Detective Inspector Murray said, "$500,000 is a lot of money - hopefully it will encourage those people out there who do know something to do the right thing and come forward". "Katie's family deserves answers," he said. Indemnification from prosecution could be granted to anyone who provided detectives with the identity of the principal offender or offenders, police said. Two men were allegedly seen on security footage fleeing the scene of the fire, holding a jerry can. The footage was enhanced by investigators in an attempt to identify the men. A composite image of one of the men was released in April, showing a person of Middle Eastern appearance, aged between 25 and 30 years old and with a slim build. Police said that a number of anonymous reports had provided useful information for the investigation, and detectives are keen to hear from anyone who recognised the man. CCTV showed two people getting out of a dark-coloured car, similar to a BMW X3 or X5, outside the Truganina home shortly after 2am on January 16. Police said a "significant explosion" set fire to the house as the alleged arsonists left the area. Emergency services were called to the home at 2.30am by Ms Tangey, who told the Triple Zero operator that the house was engulfed by flames. The family's golden retriever, Sonny, also died in the fire. Detectives have conducted a six-month investigation to determine the motivation for the attack. Investigators have worked closely with Taskforce Lunar, which is probing Melbourne's illicit tobacco war, to confirm that the arson was linked to the ongoing dispute. Investigators believe that Ms Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade, police said. "These people need to be held accountable for the fact that they committed a crime which ultimately led to the death of a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her," Detective Inspector Murray said. "I'd ask how these people can live with themselves knowing they've done that and I would ask how people who know what the offenders have done, how they can live with this knowledge and not come forward and assist police," he said. The investigation remains ongoing, police said. Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Detectives investigating a fatal fire that killed a beloved burlesque performer say they are "getting closer" to proving who was responsible, with a $500,000 reward for information announced. Katie Tangey, 27, was housesitting for her brother and his wife in Truganina on the night of January 16 when two alleged arsonists set fire to the Dover Street property. Investigators believe the arsonists, who were allegedly associated with Victoria's illicit tobacco trade, set fire to the wrong home. "Those responsible for Katie's death know they targeted the wrong house," Detective Inspector Chris Murray said. "And they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman," he said. Detectives were honing in on the alleged culprits after executing a search warrant in Dandenong on 12 June, police said. "We believe we know who directed this crime, and we know we are getting closer to proving who was responsible for carrying it out on the night," Detective Inspector Murray said. A reward of up to half a million dollars would be paid for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Ms Tangey's death, police said. The reward would be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police. Detective Inspector Murray said, "$500,000 is a lot of money - hopefully it will encourage those people out there who do know something to do the right thing and come forward". "Katie's family deserves answers," he said. Indemnification from prosecution could be granted to anyone who provided detectives with the identity of the principal offender or offenders, police said. Two men were allegedly seen on security footage fleeing the scene of the fire, holding a jerry can. The footage was enhanced by investigators in an attempt to identify the men. A composite image of one of the men was released in April, showing a person of Middle Eastern appearance, aged between 25 and 30 years old and with a slim build. Police said that a number of anonymous reports had provided useful information for the investigation, and detectives are keen to hear from anyone who recognised the man. CCTV showed two people getting out of a dark-coloured car, similar to a BMW X3 or X5, outside the Truganina home shortly after 2am on January 16. Police said a "significant explosion" set fire to the house as the alleged arsonists left the area. Emergency services were called to the home at 2.30am by Ms Tangey, who told the Triple Zero operator that the house was engulfed by flames. The family's golden retriever, Sonny, also died in the fire. Detectives have conducted a six-month investigation to determine the motivation for the attack. Investigators have worked closely with Taskforce Lunar, which is probing Melbourne's illicit tobacco war, to confirm that the arson was linked to the ongoing dispute. Investigators believe that Ms Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade, police said. "These people need to be held accountable for the fact that they committed a crime which ultimately led to the death of a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her," Detective Inspector Murray said. "I'd ask how these people can live with themselves knowing they've done that and I would ask how people who know what the offenders have done, how they can live with this knowledge and not come forward and assist police," he said. The investigation remains ongoing, police said. Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at
West Australian
12-06-2025
- West Australian
Mobile data could lead police to deadly arson attackers
Police are closing in on the culprits of an arson attack in which an innocent woman was killed when a townhouse was set alight in a case of mistaken identity. Katie Tangey, 27, died along with her family's dog after arsonists hit the wrong address while she was house-sitting her brother's home at Truganina in Melbourne's west, in the early hours of January 16. Police believe mobile phone data could provide answers in the case, after several phones were seized during a search warrant at a home in Dandenong on Thursday. Detective Inspector Chris Murray said although no arrests were made, police believe the crime is "solvable". "We know we are getting closer," he said on Thursday. "If you know absolutely anything, I cannot implore you enough to find it in yourself to do the right thing and come forward." Police revealed in February the crime was likely linked to Victoria's illicit tobacco trade wars. Detectives have been working closely with Taskforce Lunar, a police unit focused on organised crime syndicates and their links to the illicit tobacco trade. Det Insp Murray said officers were "absolutely determined" to provide what closure and justice they can to the family of Ms Tangey. The Hoppers Crossing woman, a popular burlesque performer, called emergency services for help from the three-storey townhouse but she and the family's golden retriever did not survive the blaze. A dark coloured vehicle - similar to a BMW X3 - was seen travelling north on Forsyth Road in Truganina at 2.12am before a camera at the house captured it engulfed in flames and two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, fleeing the scene. A digital composite image of a man who police wanted to speak to over the attack was released in April. The blaze devastated the family, including Ms Tangey's brother and his wife who were on their honeymoon at the time. Det Insp Murray described the incident as one of the most tragic he has seen in 38 years on the force. "I know Katie's family would want nothing more than to see her live out the whole life she had ahead of her but the least we can do is make sure those responsible for this tragedy are held accountable for their actions," Det Insp Murray said. The investigation remains ongoing.
Perth Now
12-06-2025
- Perth Now
Mobile data could lead police to deadly arson attackers
Police are closing in on the culprits of an arson attack in which an innocent woman was killed when a townhouse was set alight in a case of mistaken identity. Katie Tangey, 27, died along with her family's dog after arsonists hit the wrong address while she was house-sitting her brother's home at Truganina in Melbourne's west, in the early hours of January 16. Police believe mobile phone data could provide answers in the case, after several phones were seized during a search warrant at a home in Dandenong on Thursday. Detective Inspector Chris Murray said although no arrests were made, police believe the crime is "solvable". "We know we are getting closer," he said on Thursday. "If you know absolutely anything, I cannot implore you enough to find it in yourself to do the right thing and come forward." Police revealed in February the crime was likely linked to Victoria's illicit tobacco trade wars. Detectives have been working closely with Taskforce Lunar, a police unit focused on organised crime syndicates and their links to the illicit tobacco trade. Det Insp Murray said officers were "absolutely determined" to provide what closure and justice they can to the family of Ms Tangey. The Hoppers Crossing woman, a popular burlesque performer, called emergency services for help from the three-storey townhouse but she and the family's golden retriever did not survive the blaze. A dark coloured vehicle - similar to a BMW X3 - was seen travelling north on Forsyth Road in Truganina at 2.12am before a camera at the house captured it engulfed in flames and two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, fleeing the scene. A digital composite image of a man who police wanted to speak to over the attack was released in April. The blaze devastated the family, including Ms Tangey's brother and his wife who were on their honeymoon at the time. Det Insp Murray described the incident as one of the most tragic he has seen in 38 years on the force. "I know Katie's family would want nothing more than to see her live out the whole life she had ahead of her but the least we can do is make sure those responsible for this tragedy are held accountable for their actions," Det Insp Murray said. The investigation remains ongoing.
Sky News AU
04-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
‘Delusional': Victorian government ridiculed after revealing plan to have just 14 inspectors enforce new tobacco licensing scheme
Victoria's new tobacco licensing scheme has been ridiculed by opposition and crossbench MPs after the Allan government revealed there would be just 14 inspectors to enforce new laws. Premier Jacinta Allan's government is implementing a licensing scheme as part of its attempts to combat the state's ongoing illicit tobacco wars. There have been at least 125 arson attacks and 130 arrests connected to the conflict since March 2023, which has seen outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised crime groups battle for control of a black market trade estimated to be worth $5 billion. Details of the new tobacco licensing scheme were revealed on Wednesday, with the Allan government claiming it would begin the process to 'break the business model of organised crime'. From July, businesses will be able to apply for licenses to sell cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco-related products, with enforcement for the new scheme to begin in February next year. Under the scheme, any person found to be selling illicit tobacco will face fines of up to $355,000 or up to 15 years in jail, while businesses will face fines of more than $1.7 million. In announcing the scheme, the Allan government claimed it was 'delivering boots on the ground to crack down on those breaking the law and backing the work of Victoria Police to disrupt the illicit tobacco trade.' But the $46 million scheme is set to be enforced by just 14 licensing inspectors. The government said the inspectors, who will work for Tobacco Licensing Victoria, will 'hit the streets to hold illegal operators to account'. The inspectors will also support Victoria Police's Taskforce Lunar – set up to combat the illicit tobacco trade – by providing them with additional intelligence. But Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin said the plan was akin to sending parking inspectors to confront hardened criminals. 'They're saying they're bringing in 14 inspectors to go out for a problem that is involving bikies, bombings and fires here across our state,' Mr Battin said. 'We're going to be effectively sending in parking officers to fix a problem of massive crime and corruption here in Victoria. That is a big problem.' The Liberal leader – who is a former police officer – said the state's tobacco laws could only be combatted by Victoria Police. 'We're not talking about walking into a shop for someone who stole a Mars bar. We're talking about organised crime who have used fire bombings on more than 100 occasions across the state. You can't send in someone who's not qualified and trained to stop that crime,' he said. 'You've got to send Victoria Police to fix this issue. And that means intervention earlier. That means working with Victoria Police to give them the powers that they need to stop these crimes happening. 'We need to make sure Victoria Police have the powers. We need to make sure Victoria Police have the staffing they can to go out and address this issue.' The government's announcement has also come under fire from Victorian Libertarian MP David Limbrick, who compared the plan to hire 14 illicit tobacco inspectors for the entire state of Victoria with the estimated 300 inspectors in Chicago to enforce alcohol prohibition in the 1920 – a city of around 3 million people. 'If the Victorian Government thinks 14 inspectors will suppress a multi-billion dollar industry, they are delusional. They seem to have no idea about the scale of organised crime in this state,' Mr Limbrick told The Libertarian MP backed NSW Premier Chris Minns' recent calls for a federal review of the tobacco excise, which has been cited as a major driver of the illicit tobacco trade. 'Until such time as federal excise is reduced, organised crime will continue to control the tobacco industry in this state,' Mr Limbrick said.
Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Straits Times
Aussie police video shows shocking moment when arsonist sets himself on fire by accident
A video released by the Victoria state police shows a man accidentally setting himself on fire inside the Al Marjan restaurant on May 21, 2024. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM VICTORIA POLICE/FACEBOOK Aussie police video shows shocking moment when arsonist sets himself on fire by accident Think of it as an occupational hazard that you won't get workmen's compensation for. A man in Melbourne tried to torch a restaurant in a targeted attack but ended up setting his clothes on fire. A video of the 2024 incident – edited with footages taken from security cameras – was released on May 28 by the Victoria state police in Australia in an appeal to the public to help find the suspect. It is not clear why the police released the video one year after the incident. The man tried to burn down the Al Marjan restaurant in South Melbourne on May 21, 2024, said the police. He forced his way into the restaurant by ramming its door with his car at around 4.30am that day. In the video, a man in a black jacket with its hood pulled up is seen pouring accelerant out of a red jerrycan onto the floor and at the bar. He slips and slides around as the flammable liquid greases the floor, barely able to keep his balance, and seemingly oblivious that he is also splashing the liquid on himself. He sets the accelerant on fire, and tries to run away, but the fire quickly catches the legs of his tracksuit. The man drops and rolls on the floor to extinguish the flame spreading to his clothes. The next clip shows him already outside the restaurant and running towards his car, his pants still on fire. He drops to the ground again and rolls a few times. When he finally manages to put out the fire, he steps into the car and is apparently driven off by an accomplice. 'This is yet another example of just how unpredictable fire is and the inherent dangers of arson. It is probable this man will have needed some kind of treatment for significant burns,' Taskforce Lunar Detective Inspector Graham Banks said in a statement released on May 28. 'Detectives are hopeful that today's release of CCTV will provide further avenues of enquiry, and that someone may recognise the man and provide information on his current whereabouts,' Victoria police said on Facebook. The restaurant reported minor damage from the attempted arson, but it was again targeted on Nov 6, 2024. 'We are conscious that those involved in lighting the fires are likely the puppets for those pulling the strings in this syndicate, and they are being left with serious – or life changing, as we've seen previously – burn injuries,' said Insp Banks. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
