A man has been charged after allegedly arranging to have his failing cafe business in Perth's north-east set on fire and submitting a subsequent insurance claim.
The 41-year-old man from The Vines rented a cafe on the Great Northern Highway in Bullsbrook in May 2015, before taking out an insurance policy on the business about seven months later.
The business was struggling, and police alleged he arranged for a 47-year-old Gnangara man to set fire to the premises.
A fire at the cafe in March 2016, caused about $500,000 damage.
The building had to be demolished as a result of the blaze.
It is also alleged the man made an insurance claim for damage to the property, and interruption to the cafe's operation.
He has been charged with criminal damage and attempting to gain a benefit by fraud.
The 47-year-old man has been charged with criminal damage.
Both men are expected to appear in the Midland Magistrates Court on Friday.
Arson Squad detectives want to speak to anyone with information about the fire, and have reminded people that rewards of up to $50,000 are available for information that leads to the apprehension and conviction of an arsonist.
