FBI, Victoria Police investigate after request to US satirical website RentAHitman
A satirical American website is at the centre of a bizarre investigation that’s led to a Diamond Creek man being charged with trying to frame his brother for murder.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Melbourne man stands accused of trying to frame his brother for a murder plot using a fake international hit man site.
A US satirical website called RentAHitman is at the centre of a bizarre investigation that started when Brother A allegedly messaged it claiming to be Brother B and that he wanted a “gruesome” murder done.
The Herald Sun has been told that the operator of the site was so alarmed he reported the request to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
It contacted the Australian authorities and the matter was referred to Victoria Police because the message was generated here.
Police went to Brother B, who was said to be nonplussed about the violence he was purported to have requested.
After further investigation, Brother A was charged with sending the approach under the other’s name.
Police confirmed they had investigated an online threat that resulted in a 23-year-old Diamond Creek man being charged with causing a false report to be made to police.
“As the matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” Victoria Police said.
American Bob Innes bought the RentAHitman domain name in 2005 to advertise website traffic analysis.
His use of the term “hit” was a play on words based on the term commonly used to measure online traffic.
After allowing its email account to sit dormant, Mr Innes checked it years later and found a vast number of messages asking for contract killings.
In 2010, he found what he believed to be a serious request from a woman and went to police. She was convicted of soliciting a murder.
Many others got in touch wanting people eliminated, despite indications from the first page that RentAHitman and its boss Guido Fanelli are into humour rather than assassinations.
“Listen up fam!” the site begins. “With over 17,985 US-based problem solvers – we’re talking coast-to-coast wise guys, button men and cleaners – RentAHitman’s got the muscle to make your troubles sleep with the fishes.
“We’ve been in the game since 1920, capisce? That’s over a century of icing problems for everybody from your average Joe Schmoe to pencil-pushing government stiffs and even those high-roller political paisanos who need a favour done on the down-low.
“RentAHitman’s handled more delicate jobs than a barber shavin’ a Don’s neck with a straight razor.
“We’re talkin’ precision – bam, clean hit, no mess – and efficiency so smooth you’d think we invented olive oil.”
There is a section for those wanting a career in the caper and testimonials from people like “Laura S. from Arizona”.
“Caught my husband cheating with the babysitter and our relationship was terminated after a free public relations consultation. I’m single again and looking to mingle. Thanks Guido and RentAHitman,” Laura wrote.
Originally published as FBI, Victoria Police investigate after request to US satirical website RentAHitman
Deery: Why childcare crisis could bring down the Allan govt
Problems with the economy, health system and law and order won’t necessarily lead to a change of government next year. But childcare is different — and it could bring the Allan government undone, writes Shannon Deery.
‘Didn’t mean to call you the C word’: Melb reno boss’ shocking texts exposed
Ex-staff of Melbourne renovation company M.J. Harris Group say they were sworn at and have been left chasing thousands of dollars in wages – with explosive texts from the boss now revealed.