Melbourne's Bar Wars Ignite a New Front in Extortion Melbourne's nightlife industry is reeling from a string of violent attacks, and now venues are being hit with $10,000 extortion demands allegedly by an Iraq based gang targeting "sinful" businesses.
The messages sent to targeted owners threaten not only their livelihoods but also their families and homes.
The latest development follows a series of firebombings, shootings, home invasions, and kidnappings that have plagued Melbourne's nightlife since February.