Fugitive taskforce to hunt for Victoria’s most-wanted man, Graham Gene Potter
SPECIALIST fugitive hunters have been called in to find Victoria’s most wanted man - cold-blooded killer and mafia figure Graham Gene Potter.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
SPECIALIST fugitive hunters have been called in to find Victoria’s most wanted man.
Cold-blooded killer Graham Gene Potter - once a trusted lieutenant to powerful mafia identities - vanished almost five years ago while facing serious criminal charges.
An Honoured Society boss and crime figures from Italy had allegedly engaged him to carry out two gangland killings linked to a failed drug importation.
The Victoria Police fugitive taskforce is now involved in the search for him.
The fugitive squad has built a formidable reputation in recent years for finding its targets but Potter, 56, is a challenge.
He has been hunted by state organised crime detectives and federal authorities since February 2010.
Police say he was on the way to kill a Melbourne businessman at the wedding of underworld identity Mick Gatto’s son when arrested in 2008.
He had been assigned to kill another man at the Reggio Calabria Club but the plan failed when a car in which he was travelling broke down en route.
The target had left by the time Potter arrived.
Those who have met Potter say he is shrewd and does not attract unwanted attention.
“He’s quiet. He doesn’t say too much … doesn’t big-note,” one man who has met him said. “He’s what you might call a smiling assassin.”
Potter was arrested and charged in 2008 for his alleged role in a massive drug importation worth over $400 million.
Powerful Italian organised crime figures in Victoria and NSW are in jail over the drugs deal.
He was granted bail then rearrested in May 2009 and charged with conspiracy to murder, but given bail again.
Police believe he may have been living rough in the Victorian bush, and they have searched near the NSW border.
Potter is known for an ability to blend into small towns, dying his hair, shaving it and growing beards and using disguises.
In 1981 Potter was jailed for life for the murder of teenager Kim Barry at Wollongong.
He beat her then cut off her head and fingers. He was released in 1996.
Victoria Police said: “The fugitive taskforce is currently reviewing the investigation into the hunt for Graham Gene Potter.”
Anyone who can help can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.