ADF worker Xavier Dean Filgate in court over Gallipoli Barracks truck ‘heist’ allegations

A defence force worker has faced court accused of impersonating a higher-ranking officer in an elaborate “heist” involving a $250k military truck.

An ADF vehicle was found dumped and vandalised in a Mitchelton street.

A defence force worker has faced court accused of impersonating a higher-ranking officer in an an elaborate $250k truck “heist” in Brisbane’s west, before fleeing interstate to allegedly distribute military grade equipment to the public.

Police allege Xavier Dean Filgate, 26, stole a 40m army truck from Gallipoli Barracks in the early hours of morning on July 18, 2024.

The truck was found abandoned and vandalised in a Mitchelton street the night after the State of Origin decider, with graffiti including “go QLD” and “f**k NSW”.

Mr Filgate, a Keperra resident, was later found and arrested at a home in Bendigo and extradited back to Queensland.

He made an application for bail in Brisbane Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 29, after spending 35 days in custody on remand.

Police prosecutor Harry Coburn said Mr Filgate, who worked as an Australian Defence Force (ADF) worker, had impersonated a lieutenant so as not to be questioned.

He then allegedly drove the $250,000 vehicle, which had contained 121 military grade helmets, out of the barracks.

“I would not say that the prosecution is being dramatic in describing it as a heist,” Mr Coburn said.

Mr Filgate then allegedly dumped the truck at the Mitchelton Youth Club and transferred the helmets into a pre-hired vehicle, Mr Coburn said.

It’s alleged Mr Filgate transported the helmets to Victoria and distributed some of them to members of the public.

He noted Mr Filgate had been on bail at the time for allegedly selling a missing military helmet in March.

The court heard that allegation came about after other military workers recognised the helmet, which had been in possession of an individual at a military hardware show, and they traced the serial number.

Mr Filgate had been stood down with half pay after the initial allegations, but was now stood down with no pay and his role is set to be terminated, the court heard.

Mr Coburn opposed Mr Filgate’s bail, saying he was too great a risk of fleeing or committing further offences.

But the court heard Mr Filgate had no criminal history, and that the arresting officer did not oppose his bail.

Magistrate Peter Saggers granted Mr Filgate bail under conditions that he reside at a Keperra address, adhere to an evening curfew, and report three days a week.

The matter was adjourned to October 30.

Mr Filgate is charged with two counts of receiving tainted property, and one count each of possessing tainted property, unlawful possession of a weapons category C/E (kevlar body armour), enter premises and commit indictable offence, unlawful use of motor vehicles, wilful damage, stealing.