TOP secret Victoria Police files have been leaked to high-raking criminals, compromising state and federal anti-drugs operations, Fairfax newspapers report. The leaked information came from the Victoria Police surveillance squad, which is responsible for physical surveillance and technical services such as wire tapping. An alleged drug baron and outlaw motorcycle gang founder, an alleged killer and a suspected drug trafficker are among those who received their surveillance records from the unit, the report said. The files would tip off criminals about the length of time they have been watched, and what of their movements and correspondence has been observed, compromising investigations or giving criminals warning about if and when they might be charged with offences.
This latest breach of information security is likely to ramp up pressure on the Victorian government to hold a full, independent inquiry into links between serving police and organised crime.
