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1 year ago
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New footage has been released showing two cars fleeing the scene shortly after a controversial Youtube star's home went up in flames a year ago.
Arson Unit detectives released new CCTV of the alleged arson attack last year on the Bondi home of Friendlyjordies, real name Jordan Shanks-Markovina, in the hopes of finding the culprits.
About 12.20am on Wednesday November 23, 2022, emergency services were called to a home on Wilga Street in Bondi following reports of a fire.
Shanks-Markovina was not home at the time that four or more men with potential links to organised crime drove past and allegedly set it ablaze before speeding off.
The new footage has been released by detectives as they launch a new appeal for information about the night in the hope of breaking a year-long stalemate in solving the crime.
Police released CCTV in the hopes of a breakthrough on the alleged arson at the home of YouTube personality Friendlyjordies, which may be connected to organised crime
Jordan Shanks-Markovina, also known as Friendlyjordies, was not in the house when a group of four or more men allegedly firebombed it just after midnight on November 23, 2022
The attack was believed to be the second of its kind in a week after police revealed a small fire was quickly extinguished on November 16
The November 23 fire was believed to be the second targeted attack on the beachside property in less than a week, Shanks-Markovina's law firm Xenophon Davis claimed at the time.
'We hope that every possible police resource is dedicated today to securing evidence and intel,' the firm tweeted.
'It might even warrant a Strike Force focused upon terrorism and attempted homicide rather than dangerous jokes.'
Firefighters fought desperately to contain the blaze but the home suffered significant damage.
Officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command established a crime scene and specialist forensic police and dogs 'trained in the use of detecting accelerants' were at the home combing through the rubble.
Police believe that four or more males travelled in two cars from the Campbelltown area towards Shanks-Markovina's home around the time of the attack.
It is understood that the men may have links to organised crime networks and that one of them is currently assisting police with their inquiries.
The suspects were split between two cars: a black 2018 Mercedes c200, believed stolen with cloned plates, and a silver 2013 Ford Falcon with reflective stickers under the number plate.
Detectives have revealed that the Mercedes fled north on Rowland Avenue toward Wilga Street and the Ford Falcon escaped via both Bondi Road and Glen Street.
The front face of the Bondi home was extensively damaged and forensic detectives were on the scene for days attempting to gather evidence
Shanks-Markovina annouced that he was temporarily stepping back from making videos after the second suspected arson attack
Soon after the fire Shanks-Markovina announced that he was taking a break from posting videos due to his house being firebombed for the second time.
It was also revealed a smaller fire had earlier broken out at the Bondi home on November 16 but was put out before it could cause any significant damage.
Shanks-Markovina, who has achieved notoriety for his political videos, lived at the back of the house and was not home at the time of the fire.
He returned to the house later on November 23 to survey the damage and claimed he had a 'long list' of suspects who had been angered by his political commentary and videos.
'Well obviously we don't know who did it,' he said at the scene as investigators nearby combed the rubble and ash for clues.
'There's a long list of suspects but no idea who it is.
'Obviously we have done some extremely dangerous reporting over the last year - I suppose of a bunch of extremely powerful people and corporations.'
English (US)