Australian Federal Police put fugitives in crosshairs

Dozens of offshore fugitives wanted in Australia for serious crimes are being targeted by a new federal police strike force.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw. Picture: Gary Ramage

Dozens of offshore fugitives wanted in Australia for murder, manslaughter, drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud are being targeted by a new federal police strike force.

The Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (FAST) was formed in February and has drawn up a hit list of 43 people who have disappeared overseas while wanted by authorities on warrants for serious crimes. Some of the accused offenders are suspected to be still involved in organised crime and to be responsible for significant drug importations into Australia.

Alleged offenders who have fled to Australia from other countries, and who are being hunted by international law enforcement agencies, are also being targeted.

The strike force last week made its first arrest, swooping on an accused New Zealand fugitive during a Tinder date.

Koru Wirimu Montgomery, 31, was allegedly facing multiple narcotic importation charges in New Zealand when he moved to a rural Victorian town in 2019.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said FAST was working with local and international law enforcement agencies to extradite offenders to Australia.

The team of specialist investigators and intelligence analysts was also supporting requests from other countries and agencies, including Interpol to identify fugitives living undetected in the Australian community, he said.

“A number of serious criminals have fled Australia and believe they are no longer within the reach of the AFP,’’ Commissioner Kershaw said. “However, they are mistaken. Few agencies have ­offshore capabilities like that of the AFP. Our international reach is extraordinary.

“AFP personnel are posted in 33 countries. Our partnerships, respect and trust with domestic and international agencies mean we work collaboratively to disrupt serious criminal syndicates.

“My message to offenders who have fled Australia, or are offshore and targeting Australians, is clear: You are within our reach and the AFP will be relentless in bringing you to justice.”

Australian authorities are always seeking information on fugitives, but the strike force has the sole purpose of locating and apprehending high-value targets who have an active warrant for their arrest, have caused significant personal or community damage or pose an ongoing risk.

The alleged offenders are understood to be in more than 20 countries, with investigators closing in on a series of the targets.

Mr Kershaw said FAST would make it easier for police across jurisdictions to jointly investigate fugitives, share operational intelligence and strengthen co-operation to conduct complex and cross-border investigations.

“We will be working closely with our international, Commonwealth and state and territory partners – leveraging the specialist capabilities, intelligence and operations of the AFP and our partners – to hunt down these serious criminals who are hiding here in Australia and those suspected Australian criminals who have fled offshore,’’ he said.

Mr Montgomery was arrested in central Victoria late Thursday and appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday. He was remanded in custody and is facing extradition proceedings.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan said the arrest was a “considerable result” for New Zealand police investigating a significant alleged drug importation network.

“The arrest by FAST continues to demonstrate the close relationships the AFP has with state and territory police and with New Zealand police.”