Extortion and Violent Crime in Retail Leaves Victoria in a Lawless State

MGA Independent Businesses Australia has condemned the violent ram raid on the Friendly Grocer store in Longwarry in regional Victoria, warning that independent retailers are facing an unprecedented escalation in organised crime activity. Emboldened criminal enterprises, funded through a flourishing illicit tobacco market, are now attempting to extort safety payments from small family run businesses.

Media Release Extortion and Violent Crime in Retail Leaves Victoria in a Lawless State 2 Oct 2025 Download

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