Captain William Bligh crossed swords with friends in high places after he became Governor of New South Wales in 1806. By then, the wealth of the young colony had become concentrated in the hands of military and civil officers. The new privileged class grossly abused its power, making obscene profits from supplies sold in the public arena after being purchased at a fair price from ship captains.
Rum and other spirits became the new currency of the colony, and as a result Sydney Town sank into despair. When the morally upstanding but dictatorial Governor Bligh attempted to curb rum trafficking, he clashed with the economic interests of the powerful New South Wales Corp. Captain John Macarthur, who became famous for pioneering the Merino sheep industry, was a leading power broker in this officer group. In 1808, after Macarthur refused to abide by Bligh’s restrictive new laws, he was placed in custody and refused bail.
Home office in England then moved swiftly to defuse volatile repercussions sparked by ‘the rum rebellion’.
Outraged New South Wales Corp officers rebelled, arresting Governor Bligh and releasing Macarthur. Home office in England then moved swiftly to defuse volatile repercussions sparked by ‘the rum rebellion’. The New South Wales Corp was recalled to London, and Lachlan Macquarie brought his own troops with him when he took over as governor in 1809.
The rum rebellion of colonial times was a black spot in Australia’s history, when law enforcement officers, criminals and the political elite formed their alliance of power. Despite the widespread extent of corruption in that era, some historians believe that the abuse of power in the early days of the colony was minuscule compared to the corruption that existed in NSW between 1965 and 1976.
Abe Saffron
During those 11 years, corruption among senior ranks of the police force was rife. Fred Hanson was the state’s Police Commissioner for much of that time, and it is rumoured that he received $100,000 annually in bribes from just one casino for condoning its illegal practices. Deputy Commissioner Bill Allen was also suspected of raking in large sums of bribery money from notorious criminal Abe Saffron, the ‘Mr Sin’ of Kings Cross, who accumulated a fortune from his sly grog shops and illicit gambling dens.
...he received $100,000 annually in bribes from just one casino for condoning its illegal practices.
State politics was also corrupt, with the then premier, Sir Robert Askin, allegedly receiving $33,000 a month in bribe money from the 33 Club. ‘RA’ headed ‘the premier state’ for a decade, and during his term in office, crime became very much a growth industry. Other people in high places were involved, and at the very least, many politicians of that era turned a blind eye to the growing problem. Justice Edwin Lusher later described the infiltration of corrupt practices as ‘a continuing organised process… [by] a power that is able to explore such an objective [until] it becomes acceptable.’
Sir Robert Askin
Askin was not the only member of the coalition government who was in on the giggle with Sydney criminal elements. On 27 July 1959, Lennie McPherson, a self proclaimed ‘Mr Big’ of Sydney’s underworld, and his bodyguard ‘Snowy’ Rayner, were charged with murdering George Joseph Hackett. Unfortunately, the case was aborted when it was brought to court. This outcome came about because the then state Attorney-General, Reg Downing, failed to fill a bill for the case. Later it was claimed that Downing received $10,000 from Lennie for his legal oversight.
…many politicians of that era turned a blind eye to the growing problem.
Not long after McPherson escaped conviction in a 1965 attempted murder case, the then state Justice Minister, John Maddison, granted the suspected murderer, rapist, armed robber and standover merchant extraordinary concessions. McPherson was allowed to visit old enemies in custody, and conduct ‘kangaroo court’ trials. Bizarre charges such as ‘treachery towards Lennie’ were laid, and, if ‘convicted’, the penalty was death.
...members of the police force were virtually criminals in uniform..
Those in the know believe that ‘Ducky’ O’Connor paid the ultimate price for his crimes behind prison walls, and after the hardened criminal was released, he was gunned down in the ‘Latin Quarter’ nightclub on 28 May 1967. Many of the patrons present claim they saw and heard nothing, but it is probably no coincidence that Lennie McPherson was sitting near O’Connor. Some of the witnesses were police officers, but no charges were ever laid.
Some members of the police force were virtually criminals in uniform, and many of these men were rewarded with positions of responsibility within law enforcement ranks. Ray ‘Gunner’ Kelly, Fred Krahe, Don Fergusson and Roger ‘the Dodger’ Rogerson all became Detective Sergeants during this infamous era.
After two young police officers charged the high profile ‘Mr Big’ with the crime of consorting with known criminals, Gunner Kelly ordered them to ‘release McPherson at once.’ Lennie McPherson later returned the favour by revealing the whereabouts of Melbourne prison escapees Ronald Ryan and Peter Walker to Kelly. Gunner made a well publicised arrest and Premier Askin recommended the now celebrity detective for an MBE. RA was most generous to his favourite lawman. The Premier’s alleged fee for providing an MBE reference was usually $6,000. Gunner received the honour free of charge.
Kelly actually did have a high arrest rate, but it was also claimed that half Sydney’s gangsters worked for him. He was closely associated with both McPherson and Perce Galea the baccarat baron of Kings Cross. It is believed that Kelly also made a fortune from protecting backyard abortionists and other lawbreakers, but Premier Askin’s admiration didnot wane. At Gunner’s retirement function Sir Robert described him as ‘a close personal friend that no fictional detective could hold a candle to’.
…corrupt detectives pursued a ‘hidden curriculum’ when they made arrests.
In reality, Kelly and other corrupt detectives pursued a highly questionable ‘hidden curriculum’ when they made arrests. Their mode of operation regularly included ‘verbalising’ (assisting confessions), ‘loading’ (planting guns or drugs in a suspect’s possessions or home), or ‘taking a ‘quid’/’drink’ (bribe). Targeted suspects were often robbed or beaten.
Fred Krahe was a high ranking police officer who escaped conviction by retiring from the force because of ill health. Krahe was suspected of being closely involved with Don Fergusson, another bent copper, who protected backyard abortionists in the 1950s and 60s. Fergusson died in 1970 from bullet wounds to the head. Suicide was the official cause of death, but it is rumoured that Krahe killed Fergusson after the pair clashed over joint illegal business interests.
...Rogerson shot armed robber ‘Butchy’ Burns dead after he brandished a revolver at the macho detective.
It is also believed that Krahe was linked to the death of prostitute madam Shirley Brifman. Before dying of cancer in 1981, Krahe became Frank Theeman’s security adviser, when the property development tycoon attempted to evict residents from Victoria Street in inner Sydney. The residents’ old dwellings were an obstacle to Theeman’s ambitious redevelopment plans, one of the major opponents of the scheme was celebrity heiress and editor, Juanita Nielsen; she disappeared without trace on 4 July 1975.
During the 1960s and 70s, Roger ‘the Dodger’ Rogerson was the CIB’s favourite son. But by the 1980s, he personified everything that was corrupt in the NSW police force. He and other members of the Special Weapons and Operations Squad (SWOS) were proactive with the use of firearms against armed criminals. In 1977, Rogerson shot armed robber ‘Butchy’ Burns dead after he brandished a revolver at the macho detective.
Michael Drury
Three years later, Rogerson received the Peter Mitchell Award for exceptional policing. He was also highly acclaimed for his policing of Brisbane’s ‘Whiskey-Au Go Go’ nightclub case, and Sydney’s 1978 Hilton Hotel bombing incident. Both Stuart and Finch protested their innocence over the nightclub homicides, claiming that their confessions were ‘verbalised’. The pleas of both career criminals were ignored.
Rogerson developed close relationships with criminals such as Jim Anderson, a prominent underworld figure who was described by one of his many detractors as being ‘a blot on Sydney’. Bobby Chapman and Alan Williams were also linked with Rogerson’s illegal activities, but ‘Neddy’ Smith and Christopher ‘Rent-A-Kill’ Flannery were the most notorious of Rogerson’s crooked friends.
...Rogerson helped plan the attempted execution of Michael Drury, after the Sydney detective refused a bribe offer...
Despite strong denials, it was alleged that Rogerson helped plan the attempted execution of Sydeny detective Michael Drury after he refused a bribe offer from Rogerson to stop drug dealer Alan Williams from faceing serious charges. It was also claimed that Rogerson was standing next to Flannery in Drury’s Chatswood garden when he badly wounded Drury. Rogerson dismissed this accusation, and the claim was never proven.
A young Roger Rogerson
Rogerson’s closest criminal friend was the hardened bank robber, standover man, drug courier and murderer, ‘Neddy’ Smith. In November 1976, Rogerson played a key supporting role in Smith being freed on an attempted armed robbery charge. Smith repaid the favours of his regular drinking mate by backing Rogerson’s version of the events leading to the detective shooting Sydney hoodlum Warren Lanfranchi dead.
Smith subsequently admitted that he partly strangled and then drowned Lanfranchi’s girlfriend Sallie Anne Huckstepp in 1986. The victim’s sister later claimed that Huckstepp died because she ‘knew too much’, and, after Smith was sent to prison for another homicide, he was charged with Huckstepp’s murder. Smith and Rogerson had drinks together before Smith was convicted of the road rage stabbing murder of tow truck driver Ronald Flavell in October 1987.
...he was found guilty of associating with criminals and operating false bank accounts...
By then, Rogerson’s eventful career in the NSW police force had come to an inglorious end. After a series of misdemeanours he was found guilty of associating with criminals and operating false bank accounts. He received a five year sentence, but in 1990, additional convictions for perjury resulted in Rogerson spending nearly a decade in custody.
Roger Rogerson
Ultimately, justice caught up with Roger the Dodger, and by the time he was freed, the disgraced former detective had lost all his police pension rights. For some time, the personable Rogerson obtained income from a surprisingly popular public speaking group alongside criminal celebrity and author Mark ‘Chopper’ Read, and ex-VFL footballer Mark Jackson. In 2004, a heart attack ended the 63-year-old Rogerson’s public speaking career. He now reportedly suffers from bouts of depression.
Roger Rogerson and his criminal soul-mate ‘Neddy’ Smith have poor health in common; both aging crooks are now battling with Parkinson’s Disease.
...by the time he was freed the disgraced former detective had lost all his police pension rights.
When you lie down with dogs Roger, you apparently catch more than fleas.
The murder of Perth brothel madam Shirley Finn remains a mystery. For years a number of prominent Western Australian politicians, public servants and law enforcement officers were under suspicion—the ‘queen of vice’ lavishly entertained many from the top end of town during her opulent heyday.
Shirley Finn
Finn’s controversial life-style brought with it many potential dangers. At the time of her death, the 34-year-old mother of three was involved in a relationship with 25-year-old Rosalie Dean. Finn also had significant financial problems. She paid a debt of $1,000 to her father shortly before her death, and she still owed the hefty sum of $100,000 to the Australian Taxation Office. It came as little surprise when Shirley Finn was discovered in her car with fatal bullet wounds to the head on 23 June 1975.
Some believed that the ‘queen of vice’ was executed by a contract killer hired by rival brothel owners. Suspicions also fell on men whom Finn had previously entertained. An internal investigation resulted in the Public Service Board sacking one of their lawyers because of his alleged links to an escort agency. A senior member of the CIB was also interviewed at length before being cleared. The then premier, Sir Charles Court, showed his growing concern by offering $20,000 of state funds for any information that would lead to a conviction in the highly publicised case.
...Finn was discovered in her car with fatal bullet wounds to the head...
...she was about to provide the Taxation Office with damaging proof that bribes had been paid to senior police officers.
Speculation continued after another brothel madam publicly voiced her belief that Shirley Finn was murdered, because she was about to provide the Taxation Office with damaging proof that bribes had been paid to senior police officers.
In September 1994, public interest in the case was revived after the West Australian newspaper attempted to gain vital evidence about the case under Freedom of Information laws. This media probe revealed that more than half of the relevant documents were missing. The issue became even more controversial after Deputy Commissioner Les Ayton blandly stated that the files were missing because of ‘a clerical error’.
Public outrage increased when allegations were made that some state members of parliament had made regular visits to Finn’s brothel.
A previously unknown witness claimed that, on the night that Finn was murdered, he and his woman companion were parked in his car not far from where the homicide occurred. Soon after the couple heard shots, two men wearing police uniforms ‘who carried no badges’ shone a torch into the car and ordered the couple to leave the area immediately.
...two men wearing police uniforms ‘who carried no badges’ shone a torch into the car and ordered the couple to leave the area immediately.
Since then, rumours about the involvement of some police and politicians in graft, corruption, prostitution rackets and the murder of Shirley Finn, have persisted. Despite continuing investigations, the identity of her killer or killers remains a mystery.
The involvement of infamous drug dealer and race fixer Robert ‘Aussie Bob’ Trimbole, in the gangland execution of anti-drug campaigner Donald Mackay, is well documented. His escape from legal prosecution in Australia, however, remains a shameful example of bungling, cover-ups and treachery within the law enforcement system of the time.
Robert Trimbole
After Mackay disappeared from Griffith without trace, Trimbole assumed he had escaped police prosecutions. The establishment of the Stewart Royal Commission into the illegal drug trade made him understandably anxious.
On 7 May 1981, Trimbole’s fears were confirmed by a well-placed source within the police force, who advised him to leave the country or face arrest. Aussie Bob fled to France before moving on to Ireland, where he avoided a 1984 extradition order to return to Australia. Trimbole’s final country of refuge was Spain, where he died in 1987.
His escape from legal prosecution in Australia, however, remains a shameful example of bungling, cover-ups and treachery...
Barry Moyse’s reputation was once beyond reproach. As the head of the South Australian Drug Squad, and the president of his state’s Police Association, he was regularly involved in school talks and national television campaigns about the evils of the drug trade. By the time Moyse reached his early 40s, however, the lure of instant wealth from the sale of illicit drugs finally seduced him.
Moyse began to cooperate with a known drug dealer in distributing narcotics that were stolen from police custody. The storage safe that held the drugs was found to be empty by a promising young policeman called Mick Keelty. This officer rose quickly through the ranks, and he is currently the Chief Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police.
Keelty and some colleagues noticed Moyse’s sudden rise to riches. His house mortgage was finalised almost overnight, and he took his family on an expensive overseas holiday. When the NCA raided Moyse’s office, incriminating evidence was found.
Barry Moyse finally pleaded guilty to 17 charges of possessing, supplying and selling a cocktail of drugs, which included heroin, amphetamines, and cannabis. He was sentenced to 21 years in custody with a minimum term of 16 years.
...Moyse finally pleaded guilty to 17 charges of possessing, supplying and selling a cocktail of drugs...
Moyse was released after a decade behind bars. He has since worked as a part time cleaner, and a local cricket umpire.
Malcolm Rosenes’ fall from grace came after a drug dealing informant revealed that the formerly respected Detective-Sergeant had become a ‘bent copper’.
Malcolm Rosenes
It soon became evident that Rosenes had sold close to 3,000 drugs in tablet form, which had a street value of at least $50,000. On the night of 29 July 2001, Rosenes was arrested in the Melbourne suburb of Caulfield and charged with drug trafficking and conspiracy to traffic drugs. Before being formally charged, Rosenes allegedly begged his former colleagues to overlook his criminal activities, so that he could continue to care for his two young sons.
On 24 October Rosenes received the relatively light sentence of six years and three months, with a minimum of three years and six months. Rosenes was given a lenient sentence because he agreed to be a witness in the prosecution for other cases, and he also revealed evidence of criminality within the state drug squad. Numerous cases of corruption were revealed, which led to a high arrest rate and the biggest shake up the Victorian force had ever experienced.
...Rosenes had sold close to 3,000 drugs in tablet form, which had a street value of at least $50,000.
How the mighty fall… From 1986 until at least 2000, Wayne Geoffrey Strawhorn was a police hero who cracked open Australia’s biggest amphetamines racket. Four years later he was a disgraced detective, serving prision sentences for issuing threats to kill and engaging in drug trafficking.
Wayne Strawhorn joined the Victorian police force as a 21-year-old in 1974. He served with the drug squad between 1986 and 2001. By 2001, Melbourne was ‘the amphetamines capital of Australia’, and the squad decided to target producers rather than distributors, in an effort to curtail the burgeoning drug industry.
The first breakthrough came when Strawhorn was issuing warrants on James Sweetin for crimes unrelated to drug trafficking. By chance, Strawhorn stumbled across a speed laboratory at Sweetin’s residence, and further research revealed that John William Samuel Higgs who was not only Sweetin’s provider; he was also Australia’s biggest amphetamine manufacturer.
...Strawhorn stumbled across a speed laboratory at Sweetin’s residence...
In 1996, a concerned businessman informed the drug squad that Higgs had sought his help in acting as a drug courier. Strawhorn persuaded the informant to participate in a daring undercover plan. The businessman (codenamed ‘E292’) became a secret agent for the drug squad within Higgs’ gang; his revelations led to the end of a mammoth drugs network.
Undercover policemen or trusted informers would sell chemicals to amphetamine producers...
In that same year, Strawhorn received government funding to observe police investigations into amphetamine production and trafficking in other countries. In Britain he discovered a controversial method of gathering evidence to convict suspected drug producers and dealers. The new strategy, called ‘controlled deliveries’ or ‘drug diversions’, involved a revolutionary process. Undercover policemen or trusted informers would sell chemicals to amphetamine producers, and then gather evidence for future prosecutions.
Wayne Geoffrey Strawhorn
After returning to Victoria, Strawhorn lobbied vigorously for the scheme to be adopted as a key drug squad strategy, and a trial program was introduced.
In the first five years of implementation, the new scheme was highly successful. Strawhorn’s team arrested Higgs. They also exposed well-known racing identity and property developer Tony Mokbel after he was linked to a shipping container of chemicals capable of producing 40 million ecstasy tablets. Strawhorn’s team worked with other law enforcement agencies to uncover a four-state drug network. They also arrested a group of criminals who were attempting to bribe drug squad detectives.
Strawhorn received high praise for his work, and the then celebrity officer was promoted to Sergeant and Senior Sergeant without having to transfer to another squad. His experience and reputation helped him gain responsibilities beyond his rank, and he was granted the autonomy to plan his own operations. In hindsight, Strawhorn’s lack of supervision by force command proved to be a mistake, which finally led to the demise of the drug squad.
He soon began to operate as a ‘one man band’. Without consultation, he sent several hundred dollars overseas to the protected residence of ‘E292’. Concern was expressed about this unauthorised decision, though Strawhorn immediately responded with a reasonable explanation: the money was a personal loan to help his trusted informer until promised government financial support was received.
...he sent several hundred dollars overseas to the protected residence of ‘E292’.
By then gangland figures knew that this stubborn and dogged detective played hard ball in interrogation situations.
‘If he could get you ten years, [in custody], he’d try for 15’, was how arrested amphetamine cook Les Burr described Strawhorn’s attitude to drug trafficking suspects.
Minor concerns about the integrity of the drug squad surfaced in early January 1997, when confidential tapes and documents were stolen from a secure drug squad evidence room. An investigation resulted in 13 serving and former members being identified as suspects in the burglary, but no-one was charged.
Disturbing information continued to surface. It was alleged that Strawhorn’s informers sold two kilograms of methamphetamine to underworld figure Mark Moran, who was shot dead a month later. In early 2001, a private detective discovered that a drug squad member had purchased thousands of unauthorised Sudafed tablets from the Simca Chemical Company. Finally, after drug squad detectives Stephen Paton and Malcolm Rosenes were arrested for drug trafficking in August 2001, Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon’s patience and support ended. The drug squad was dismantled.
...threatened to kill two officers and an informer if they revealed anything about his role in drug deals...
About 150 reforms were implemented, including the termination of the drug diversion strategy. Strawhorn was a casualty of the sweeping changes, as he was transferred, (against his wishes), to the fraud squad. The wheels continued to fall off for the embattled detective. In February 2002, just after he returned from an overseas holiday, and exactly 29 years after he first joined the force, Strawhorn was suspended from duty. A month later he was arrested on seven charges, which included conspiring to traffic a commercial quantity of drugs, and making threats to kill.
During his ensuing bail hearing, Strawhorn allegedly threatened to kill two officers and an informer if they revealed anything about his role in drug deals, which allegedly provided him with a profit of $55,000. His defence lawyer, Geoff Chettle, argued that bail should be granted so that the widowed Strawhorn could care for his three children, but the application was refused.
...Strawhorn was found guilty of trafficking two kilograms of drugs to Mark Moran...
At one time Strawhorn was virtually held in solitary confinement in a high security jail, and there is little doubt that his life in custody is fraught with danger. The now disgraced Detective Sergeant had achieved a high arrest rate in the past, and he is hated by many of the country’s most ruthless drug traffickers. Convicted gangsters such as John Higgs have long memories, and huge amounts of hidden money to finance contract killings. Higgs audibly stated to Strawhorn: ‘I’ll get you,’ after he was sentenced to four years jail in 1999. Four years later the warning was alluded to again, via a Gold Coast postcard supposedly signed by Higgs. ‘Remember what I said the last time we saw each other’, was the ominous written message.
In August 2003, Judge Jeremy Rapke rejected the proposal that Strawhorn should serve his remand sentence in home detention, in order to attend to his children’s welfare. A later application was also refused, but in March 2004 he was bailed prior to attending his impending court case.
His trial was further delayed due to other police investigations and prosecutions, but on 18 October 2006 Strawhorn was found guilty of trafficking two kilograms of drugs to Mark Moran in May 2000, for which he reportedly accepted $13,900. The key witness for the prosecution was the also disgraced police officer, Stephen Paton. On 11 December Strawhorn received a seven year sentence. A year later he was ordered to forfeit $68,000 of the superannuation funds his employer had contributed between the time of his offending and the time of his arrest.
A year later he was ordered to forfeit $68,000 of superannuation funds...
The former respected and decorated law officer has consistently appealed against the severity of his sentence. His most recent appeal for leniency was rejected in June 2008.
In 2007, retired Federal Court Judge Murray Wilcox QC was commissioned to provide a report to the Victorian Parliament about the alleged presence of corrupt practices within the state police force. On 8 February 2008 Wilcox made waves when he recommended that the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) should consider charging three senior officers. Following this damning recommendation, the OPP concurred with the judge’s findings, and in June 2008 it decided the three accused would stand trial.
Ashby and Linnell have been accused of perjury, lying to the Office of Police Integrity, (OPI), and misconduct in public office.
The officers named are Police Association Secretary Paul Mullett, former Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby, and former Police Media Director Stephen Linnell. Mullett still legally holds his position until his contract expires in March 2009, though both the Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon and Premier John Brumby refuse to negotiate with him. Ashby and Linnell resigned from their positions soon after accusations against the three were revealed late in 2007.
Ashby, Linnell and Mullett have been accused of perjury, lying to the Office of Police Integrity, (OPI), and misconduct in public office. Mullett has also been accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Maximum sentences for such offences are significant, and the accused could face up to 25 years in jail if found guilty. Other officers under suspicion included Inspector Glenn Weir and the then Police Association President, Brian Rix.
In his report, Wilcox described Mullett as the ‘puppet master’, who sought to have Ashby as his ‘puppet commissioner’. Mullett and Ashby planned to initiate a negative campaign against Police Commissioner Christine Nixon and Assistant Police Commissioner Simon Overland, which would ultimately lead to their resignations. Ashby, they believed, would then become the new Commissioner. Their crony, Stephen Linnell, would help activate the plan by passing on confidential information designed to increase Mullett’s power.
The serious allegations the three officers face may also involve criminals. It is alleged that Ashby, in his former role of Assistant Commissioner, leaked confidential information in a taped phone call to Mullett about his close friend, Peter ‘Stash’ Lalor, becoming a suspect for the murder of Shane Chartres-Abbott.
They planned to initiate a negative campaign against Police Commissioner Christine Nixon...
Suspicions about Lalor’s role arose after he allegedly provided the address of the murder victim to an underworld hit-man (since code named JP). It is also alleged that Lalor provided an alibi for the contract killer, and in May 2008 ‘JP’ indicated that he was willing to provide sworn evidence against Lalor.
It is also alleged that Lalor provided an alibi for the contract killer...
Sergeant Lalor is currently suspended from police duties on an unrelated issue. He is also on sick leave, and has not been charged in connection with the murder investigation being conducted by Operation Briers.
The ever-growing list of corrupt police personnel is a depressing statistic, but there are also many honest and brave officers in the ranks, who dedicate themselves to upholding the law and protecting the general community. One of many ‘good news’ stories occurred during the 1990s.
At that time bikie gang politics had became even more volatile than usual, following the powerful Hells Angels and Bandido clubs decision to divide all gangs across Victoria between them. The Hells Angels were to control all city clubs, while the Bandidos were to take charge of all rural and provincial groups.
This led to smaller bikie groups becoming dangerously exposed. In May 1995, after the Vikings bikie gang resisted the forced amalgamation, their Ballarat clubhouse was sprayed with gunfire. In apparent retaliation, a Bandido member then became the victim of a hit and run road incident, and relationships between the two rival groups became explosive.
...a Bandido member then became the victim of a hit and run road incident...
The Bandidos rejected police advice to reconcile with the enemy group. However, during their discussions, an opportunity arose to focus on the Bandidos’ drug dealing business. Undercover agents from Operation Barkly were trained and given the dangerous task of infiltrating the Bandidos’ gang.
The two officers chosen to take on this perilous role were code named ‘Wes’ and ‘Alby’. After gradually securing the trust of key Ballarat members by mixing with them socially, the two newcomers were provided with the opportunity to grow hydroponic marijuana for the group. In October 1999 they were rewarded with full membership to the Bandidos Ballarat Chapter. The joining fee at that time was reportedly $1,000 per person, and both also paid a monthly levy of $105.
...the two newcomers were provided with the opportunity to grow hydroponic marijuana for the group.
By then Michael ‘Chaos’ Kulakowski, the notorious national president of the Bandidos, was keen for the gang to circulate the ‘party’ drugs ecstasy and LSD, through techno discos and other venues where young people often gathered. This new directive coincided with ‘Alby’s’ selection as secretary of the Ballarat Chapter, and during the next 13 months both ‘Wes’ and he were involved in more than 30 drug deals spread over three states.
New distribution points for party drugs were organised on a national basis, and the profits were enormous. However, after ‘Wes’ and ‘Alby’ were recalled from their dangerous duties, over 100 police in four states made coordinated raids. Nineteen suspects were arrested, over one-million-dollars worth of drugs and six-million-dollars worth of chemicals were confiscated, as were plentiful supplies of firearms.
...lucrative contracts for the execution of the two undercover policemen are still in force.
The downside of the operation was that gang leaders such as Peter Skroke and Andrew Michlin only spent six months in jail.
Retribution was much stronger in gangland. The Ballarat members of the Bandidos who recruited ‘Alby’ and ‘Wes’ into their ranks were reportedly flogged for their mistakes. It is also rumoured that lucrative contracts for the execution of the two undercover policemen are still in force.