Detectives now believe a fatal house fire in Truganina is linked to the illegal tobacco wars, with the offenders targeting the wrong property.
27-year-old Hoppers Crossing Katie Tangey was house-sitting the Dover Street property while family members were away.
Katie and the family’s dog died at the scene of the fire in the early hours of January 16.
Detectives have not been able to establish why Katie or her family would be targeted, and believe they are completely innocent.
They will be working with Taskforce Lunar, after finding information linking the incident to the illicit tobacco dispute.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray said Katie lost her life in a senseless and despicable incident.
“This is a tragedy,” he said.
“To those responsible: we are committing every resource we have to finding you and holding you accountable for this homicide.
“The violence that we have seen from these organised crime syndicates and this relentless drive for profits above all else has resulted in this incident.
“It could be described as nothing less than a flagrant disregard for human life.”
Anyone with information on the fire is being urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
