Jail safety fears: Melbourne crime boss Bassam Tiba given access to prison offices

A DANGEROUS killer from a prominent Melbourne crime family has been given access to restricted prison zones despite his involvement in significant police security leaks.

Melbourne Assessment Prison in West Melbourne. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A NOTORIOUS gangster who was found in possession of top-secret police files before being jailed over the stabbing death of a rival has been granted access to restricted prison zones, sparking security fears.

Criminal kingpin Bassam Tiba — from one of Melbourne’s most dangerous crime families — was given access to sensitive areas including management offices as part of his job as a painter at Melbourne Assessment Prison.

The Herald Sun understands the dangerous killer spent several days working in a staff office before prison management canned the decision due to his history.

Police photo of Bassam Tiba.

But a prison source fears Tiba may have used the opportunity to gather intelligence that could jeopardise the safety of inmates and staff.

“It is the aim of these crime families to obtain intel against the system and find out what we know about them,” the source said.

“Giving this person access was like giving the keys to the hen house to the fox.”

Tiba was sentenced for manslaughter after killing drug addict Richard Haddara over a $2000 debt relating to electrical goods in 2004.

He fled after the killing and was arrested several years later in the Solomon Islands where he was reportedly found with leaked police surveillance files linked to a major drug trafficking operation.

Other crime bosses were also found in possession of classified information which was subsequently investigated by Victoria’s Office for Police Integrity.

The Herald Sun has been told several prison workers complained about the decision to grant Tiba access to the restricted zone due to concerns he may obtain confidential information relating to prison security and operations.

“He’s ruthless, and he can’t be trusted,” the source said.

Tiba spent up to two days working in the office under supervision before being unassigned from the role.

A Corrections Victoria spokesman said the department was aware of the matter.

“Melbourne Assessment Prison management staff have organised for a small group of prisoners to clean different areas of the prison, in order to engage them in meaningful work and encourage them to contribute to the prison’s amenity,” the spokesman said.

“This work has been carried out under strict staffing supervision at all times.”

It’s understood prison management do not believe the matter has posed any ongoing safety risks.

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