A wave of firebombings targeting Melbourne’s hospitality industry has intensified, with bars, restaurants and nightclubs attacked across the city since April 2026. Authorities say more than 50 arrests have been made under Operation Eclipse, but investigators are still trying to determine the full motives behind the attacks. Police suspect links to organised crime, extortion, illicit alcohol and drug trafficking, with many alleged offenders reportedly recruited through encrypted apps and paid small sums to carry out arson attacks. Business owners say fear and rising security concerns are threatening Melbourne’s nightlife economy, while the Victorian government has announced a $10 million hospitality security fund to support affected venues.