Police have been able to identify eight accused criminals who have been left unmonitored for more than a week after the collapse of a private bail service provider.
BailSafe Australia, a for-profit company responsible for monitoring GPS tracking devices that provide real-time locations for accused offenders, enforce curfews, and report any breaches to police, quietly shut, leaving the whereabouts of their clients unknown.
Private bail-monitoring services are approved by order of a judge.Credit: Louie Douvis
Alleged gang members, drug traffickers, violent offenders and white-collar criminals have previously been released under the supervision of the program.
Victoria Police confirmed on Thursday that the closure had impacted eight matters.
“These matters are being individually assessed to determine the most appropriate course of action, including any immediate compliance checks that are required,” a statement said.
“Police will continue to work with stakeholders, including the Department of Justice and Community Safety, the Office of Public Prosecutions, and the courts in response to this issue.”
The Age revealed the collapse of the business to Victorian authorities on Wednesday, which set off a frantic scramble to discover how many people BailSafe was responsible for managing, with the information held only by the company and in individual court records and police files.
More to come.
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