Natarsha Belling

So what do investigators know so far about who is behind these attacks?

And just how dangerous is this new illicit alcohol trade in Australia?

Rowan Pikes has more than 25 years experience with the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force and joins us now.

Rowan, thanks so much for joining us.

We've seen an explosion or an increase in these attacks on nightclubs across Melbourne.

We know there's been an ongoing dispute with tobacco wars.

Why are these thieves or offenders now targeting nightclubs?

So, Rowan, what do you mean by that?

Do you mean that there are some establishments across Melbourne allegedly buying cheaper alcohol rather than going to the conventional things and therefore these offenders are targeting these businesses?

Is that what you're alleging?

So Rowan, in regards to, we know about the illicit tobacco trade, but now it seems to be this illicit alcohol trade is skyrocketing.

Is this happening right across the country or is this just targeted in Melbourne and why?

So Rowan, in regards to the specific businesses or venues being targeted, why are the offenders targeting those businesses?

And Rowan, you in your capacity professionally had been doing a lot of research and were warning authorities about this explosion in illegal tobacco.

Do you think we could see this also explode in illegal alcohol?

We know that Victorian authorities have established Operation Eclipse to try and crack down on this and find these alleged offenders.

How easy do you think this job is for authorities right now, Rowan?

Because as we know, they're pretty serious criminals who stop at nothing.

Rowan, you worked with the Australian Federal Police for decades.

It seems now it's commonplace.