The newly created VIPER Taskforce will begin operations on Monday, July 4, following the completion of the 2021 crime command review.
It will be composed of detectives, general function police, intelligence agents, members of the Public Order Response Team, with the support of specialized members of the traffic police.
“Eighty police officers will initially be deployed to the VIPER task force, which will be led by a detective inspector,” police said in a statement, adding that the task force is “the first state.”
A new working group has been formed to fight organized crime in Victoria. Taskforce VIPER, an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, application and peace of mind, will start operating on Monday 4 July. (Eddie Jim)
The launch of the new working group comes amid a wave of gang violence in Melbourne.
Abdulrahim, also nicknamed “The Punisher”, was driving his luxury Mercedes to the funeral procession in Fawkner before noon when a Mazda stopped next to him and someone shot him in the chest.
Professional boxer Sam Abdulrahim, also known as “The Punisher,” received five shots on Saturday. (Instagram) Abdulrahim was driving his luxury Mercedes in a funeral procession in Fawkner when a Mazda stopped next to him and someone opened fire. (new)
As part of this “proactive” crackdown, officers will conduct searches of firearms ban orders, bail compliance checks, WTO police checks, vehicle checks and will increase deployment to known events. to host members of serious and organized crime groups.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the working group will be “hostile” to gang members.
“We want to create the most hostile environment for organized crime in Victoria and we don’t apologize for that,” he said.
“The VIPER working group will increase the pressure on these criminal groups through a series of enforcement activities designed to hold them accountable. We will address all of their activities.
“This is one of the most significant, coordinated and proactive moves against organized crime unions in the history of Victoria Police and I hope there will be immediate results in terms of community safety.”