Investigators say they are closing in on a group with links to a major crime gang after charging one man over a fire at the home of a popular YouTube personality.
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Emergency services responded to a house fire in Bondi, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, in November 2022, when the property and an adjoining home were significantly damaged.
The house, belonging to controversial content producer Jordan Shanks-Markovina, also known as Friendlyjordies, was vacant at the time.
Police said the incident appeared to be linked to another fire reported at the property days earlier.
On Wednesday morning, detectives arrested Tufi Junior Tauese-Auelua, 37, at Silverwater Correctional Centre over the alleged arson.
He was charged with two counts of destroying or damaging a property by fire and appeared in Waverley Local Court later in the day.
Tauese-Auelua did not apply for bail and is due to return to court in late January.
Police previously released CCTV footage of two cars believed to be involved in the incident and on Thursday detectives revealed the 37-year-old allegedly used his vehicle for the getaway.
One of the cars, a black 2018 Mercedes C200, was stolen in Bellevue Hill, near Bondi, in May 2022 before being stored in southwest Sydney and then used in both arson attacks six months later, investigators said.
Financial Crimes Squad commander Gordon Arbinja said the fire was "co-ordinated and targeted" and there was a strong possibility it was connected to Shanks-Markovina's outspoken YouTube videos.
Police believe the attack involved a southwest Sydney-based organised crime group, reported to be the Alameddine gang, which the YouTuber had previously singled out.
"I think it's a possibility that it was in retaliation - it's a strong possibility," Detective Superintendent Arbinja said.
At least four people were thought to be responsible for the arson and police expected to make more arrests in the coming weeks, he said.
Shanks-Markovina had been very co-operative with police, who had received a lot of helpful information from members of the public during their investigation, Det Supt Arbinja said.
Australian Associated Press
