First Civilian Fatality in Melbourne’s Tobacco War Confirmed as Mistaken Identity Arson

Katie Tangey, a 27-year-old artist and house sitter, died in a firebombing linked to organized crime targeting the illicit tobacco trade.

Katie Tangey, 27, was killed in a January 16 arson attack in Truganina, which police now confirm was a case of mistaken identity tied to Melbourne's ongoing tobacco wars.
The fire completely destroyed the three-story townhouse where Tangey was house-sitting for her brother, who was on his honeymoon; the family’s golden retriever also perished.
Investigators believe the attack was targeted but hit the wrong address, with CCTV footage capturing two suspects fleeing the scene after using accelerants to ignite the blaze.
Police have linked the incident to escalating violence in the illicit tobacco trade, which has seen over 130 firebombings and multiple murders since 2023.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspects, seen driving a dark-colored vehicle resembling a BMW X3, to come forward as investigations continue.