Stan Zanakas pleads guilty to arson in Victorian firebombing case

·

Stan Zanakas has pleaded guilty after accepting a sentence indication on two charges of arson and aggravated robbery in connection with a series of firebombings across Victoria.

According to the Herald Sun, the Templestowe man was involved in the deliberate destruction of multiple businesses, including a Moe gift shop and a Croydon tobacco store on Christmas Day 2023. While his co-accused, Ben Valerio, carried out the arson, Zanakas acted as a lookout.

crime scene oakleigh

Valerio, the brother of toddler Daniel Valerio, who was tragically killed in 1990, was sentenced to a minimum of four years and four months in prison for his role in the attacks.

A third offender, Finks bikie Murat Shomshe, previously pleaded guilty to similar offences. Judge Peter Lauritsen stated that the crimes were committed for financial gain, with Valerio using the payments to fund his drug habit.

Zanakas will return to court for a plea hearing on March 31.

Source: Herald Sun

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Helena Kyriazopoulos to serve on the Australian Multicultural Council

The Australian Government has announced the 17 members who will serve on the Australian Multicultural Council for its next three-year term.

Cumberland councillor Steve Christou to seek state seat with Libertarians

Cumberland councillor Steve Christou has confirmed he will contest the next NSW state election as the Libertarians’ lead candidate.

Sarantis Parissos faces victim impact statements over hit-and-run and police car theft

A female police officer who was dragged along the ground in a horrific hit-and-run has expressed doubts about continuing her career.