Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad are appealing for further information on handles believed to be tasking criminal offending via online applications.
As part of their enquiries into a series of incidents linked to the targeting of Melbourne's licensed venues earlier this year, police have identified a number of handles believed to be tasking arsons, extortions and other violent offending via online platforms.
Those handles include:
- Onepercent
- Motion
- Work
Investigators are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information on who is behind the handles, anyone who may have communicated with them or anyone with any further information.
Any information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
Operation Eclipse commenced on 27 April to target a range of serious and organised crime syndicates believed to be involved in a series of offending linked to hospitality venues.
The operation, led by specialist detectives including the Gang Crime Squad, Armed Crime and Squad and Arson and Explosives Squad continues to work closely with local police, in particular regional detectives who continue to respond to and investigate these incidents.
The specialist resources at Crime and Counter Terrorism Investigation Services is focussing on the organisers and those pulling the strings.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Simon Pengelly, Armed Crime Squad:
"Tasking criminal offences while hidden behind an online platform is not a faceless crime.
"Arsons, extortions, kidnappings and other violent criminal offending is being used to intimidate, influence and impose and is putting the Victorian community at risk.
"This offending is a top priority for Victoria Police, and we will continue to target everyone involved - from those who plan and finance it to those who task it and those who carry it out.
"The reality is, we can't do this without the help of the community - police are only as good as the intelligence we have.
"If you have any information on these handles - or have had any contact with them - you can play a critical role in helping us to curb this offending. We'd urge you to come forward and speak to police. It can always be done anonymously."
