Victoria Police have launched a specialised unit to spearhead the search for Dezi Freeman, the fugitive at the centre of Australia’s largest tactical operation in history. The move signals a strategic shift after two months of intensive searching.
Taskforce Summit officially took control of the investigation on Friday, 25 October 2025. The new unit will be based in the Great Alpine area and led by a detective inspector from the Crime Command State Anti-Gangs Division.
The specialised taskforce brings together elite resources from across Victoria Police, including detectives from the Fugitive Squad, Armed Crime Squad, VIPER Taskforce, Special Operations Group, and Search and Rescue Squad.
Two Months of Intensive Searching
Freeman, 56, has been on the run since 26 August when two police officers were allegedly shot dead while serving a warrant at his home in Porepunkah, 300 kilometres northeast of Melbourne.
Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, was just one week from retirement. Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34, was on temporary assignment to the area.
The manhunt has mobilised extraordinary resources:
- Over 400 officers deployed initially
- Scaled back to approximately 200 officers in recent weeks
- Interstate and New Zealand specialist crews involved
- More than 1,700 intelligence leads investigated
- Hundreds of properties searched
Mount Buffalo National Park Reopens
In a significant development, Mount Buffalo National Park fully reopened to the public on Friday after extensive searches gave police confidence to lift access restrictions.
The park had been partially closed since late August as tactical teams, the Public Order Response Team, and specialist resources conducted systematic searches of the dense bushland.
Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien acknowledged the challenges faced during the operation. “Victoria Police remains committed to using every available resource and the necessary capabilities to find Freeman. This investigation is far from over,” he stated.
Public Assistance Critical
Police believe the case will only be resolved through community help. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
“This could be sightings of Freeman, information you’re hearing in your local communities, even suspicious activity on your property,” O’Brien said.
The investigation has been marked by several key developments:
- More than 800 people interviewed
- Several of Freeman’s associates questioned
- Properties searched via consent or warrant
- No confirmed sightings since 26 August
- One person cleared after property search
Record Reward Offered
Victoria Police have offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Freeman’s arrest. This represents the largest reward in Victoria’s history for facilitating an arrest.
Authorities have also indicated the possibility of indemnity from prosecution for accomplices who provide assistance.
Victoria Police conducting Australia’s largest tactical operation in history.
Freeman Considered Armed and Dangerous
Police have issued clear warnings to the public. Anyone who spots Freeman should phone triple zero (000) immediately and not approach him under any circumstances.
The 56-year-old, who also uses the name Desmond Filby, is considered armed and dangerous.
Community Impact
The prolonged operation has significantly affected the local community. Road closures and enhanced police presence disrupted tourism and daily life in the Great Alpine region.
Local businesses reported impacts during what should have been busy periods. The Melbourne Cup long weekend will test whether confidence has returned to the area.
Authorities have maintained an enhanced police presence, with members from the Public Order Response Team embedded into Bright and Myrtleford police stations to support local officers.
Ongoing Homicide Investigation
While Taskforce Summit leads the manhunt, the Homicide Squad continues investigating the murders of Thompson and de Waart-Hottart separately.
The transition from the Ovens Incident Police Operations Centre and Police Forward Command Post to the taskforce represents a consolidation of resources after eight weeks of intensive operations.
Detective teams are maintaining their focus on bringing the alleged killer to justice while supporting the families of the fallen officers.
Also Read: Inside the Contracted Kill Crew That Targeted a Sydney Mother
What Happens Next
The establishment of Taskforce Summit indicates police are shifting to a more sustained, long-term operation strategy after the initial intensive phase.
Air wing patrols continue in the region. Local remotely piloted aircraft systems remain deployed to support ground operations.
Parks Victoria staff are now patrolling Mount Buffalo National Park alongside police. Anyone noticing suspicious activity in the park should report it immediately.
Police are particularly interested in footage from hunting or trail cameras that may have captured movement in remote areas.
