Vic suspected crime boss arrested

A suspected Melbourne crime figure with links to the late Carl Williams has reportedly been arrested.

Rocco Arico was arrested during raids early on Thursday, Fairfax media reports.

Police would not confirm the arrest report.

But they said a 36-year-old Southbank man is being questioned over extortion and blackmail allegations following raids.

A semi-automatic pistol, ammunition and a bundle of cash were seized from a Southbank property.

Documents were taken from homes in Moonee Ponds and Safety Beach, while a Brunswick business was searched and police made inquiries at a Carlton cafe.

Detectives believe the alleged blackmail and extortion began in 2013.

A Four Corners report last month revealed Arico is suspected of helping to organise the murder of his former associate and gangland figure Carl Williams.

Williams was bashed to death in Barwon prison in 2010.