Scammer posing as police preys on communities as manhunt for cop killer continues in Victoria
Authorities warn of a donation scam targeting locals amid the search for Dezi Freeman, the suspect in the August 26 killings of two Victoria Police officers; official fundraisers are urged as the public remains alert.
A scammer is allegedly posing as a police officer to collect donations for the families of two Victoria Police officers who were killed while attempting to serve a warrant at a Porepunkah property on August 26. With the manhunt for the alleged gunman Dezi Freeman entering its fourth week, residents and businesses in the Alpine and Wangaratta regions report being targeted by the con, which promises a business advertisement in exchange for contributions.
Victoria Police say the scam involves calls to locals claiming to raise funds for the families of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart. The caller reportedly pursued donations ranging from $500 to $2,500 and urged recipients to provide money in return for a purported promotional opportunity. Surrounding towns in the Alpine and Wangaratta regions have also been targeted. Police urged anyone who receives such calls not to donate and to report the matter to Crime Stoppers. Victoria Police can confirm that the only police-recognised fundraiser for officers and their families is Victoria Police Legacy.
The official Victoria Police Legacy fund has collected almost $140,000 in donations, with all proceeds directed to the families of Det Thompson and Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart. A separate fundraiser for Det Thompson's partner, Lisa, has raised almost $17,000 to date. Authorities say the scam is separate from legitimate charitable work and emphasize that funding for the officers’ families should come through approved channels.
The search for Freeman continues as one of the largest tactical policing operations in Australia’s history, with special operations police seen in Mount Buffalo National Park this week. Officials say hundreds of properties have been searched with and without warrants, and operatives have moved through abandoned structures, mine shafts, caves and huts in a bid to locate Freeman. Acting Deputy Commissioner for Regional Operations Russell Barrett said the operation remains resolute and ongoing, stressing that the public should not provide information or assistance to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of the suspects’ families outside official channels. A $1 million reward remains on offer for information leading to Freeman’s capture. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.