Backup is three hours away. Part 2
Former country cop Mark ‘Trigger’ Tregellas returns to the show to tell more stories of remote policing.
True Crime Australia
Backup is three hours away. Part 1
Former country cop Mark ‘Trigger’ Tregellas joins the show to tell tales of his many adventures in remote corners of Victoria.
A Life and Crimes summer reading guide
Andrew Rule sits down with producer Jonty Burton to recommend some summer reading, watching and listening.
2024 – a year in crime: Part 2
The Herald Sun’s crime team is back with Andrew to discuss more high-profile crimes of 2024, including the missing campers trial and the mushroom case.
Latest True Crime
School kid to ISIS terrorist: How ‘Mother’s Day Bomb Plotter’ was freed
As a Melbourne teenager, dubbed the “Mother’s Day Bomb Plotter”, he was recruited by Islamic State. He’s one of many kids being lured under the radar of terror watch lists. See how.
Hardcore teens run wild as youth crime surges
Young repeat offenders are causing carnage across Victoria, including one 16-year-old boy who is facing 32 separate aggravated burglary charges.
Failed NRL prodigy ordered to repay fraud victims
A former NRL bad boy has been spared further jail time so he can pay back the victims he ripped off to the tune of $163,000 in a “Ponzi-style” investment scam.
‘Grand Theft Auto’: Kidnapper on ‘mission’ to torture man for ransom
A money-hungry kidnapper likened the detention and torture of a man, who was held for ransom in Sydney for six violent days, to a “real-life” Grand Theft Auto mission.
Horrifying moment showgirl knifed on Las Vegas Strip
Chilling video has emerged of a knife rampage that resulted in the slaying of a showgirl as she walked down the strip in her feathered costume. See the video. Warning: Graphic
Rats reveal surprise finding on cocaine addiction
A study using lab rats and cocaine is helping scientists understand why certain people develop drug use disorders while others do not. And one finding was not what they expected.
High level Hells Angels join forces as new underworld race emerges
More details have emerged of how Hells Angels boss Angelo Pandeli planned to expand his network before being detained, as a new underworld race is on to find his insider on Sydney’s docks.
Lone Wolf bikie kingpin nabbed in dramatic global sting
Australian Jordan Curry, who worked with conspirators to keep drug prices high and bring cocaine and meth to Sydney and Melbourne, has pleaded guilty after being caught in a global sting.
‘Powerful drug’ Aussie bikie gangs want nothing to do with
Police are scrambling to remove a drug 100 times more powerful than heroin off our streets after a Melbourne couple died taking what they thought was cocaine.
What fast-tracked trial means for accused mushroom killer
In another dramatic twist, Erin Patterson has opted to forgo a major step in the legal process, instead heading straight to trial in the Supreme Court. Here’s what it means for the accused mushroom cook.
The top lawyers fighting to free accused mushroom cook killer
Accused triple murderer Erin Patterson has hired two of Australia’s top legal minds to run her defence. Here is why they’re seen as some of the best in the business.
‘We’re not cult-like’ How staying silent cost town at centre of mushroom meal
The town of Korumburra was unwittingly thrust into the spotlight in the wake of the deadly mushroom meal. But the decision to stay tight-lipped took an unexpected toll on locals.
‘Horrendous’ final moments of mushroom lunch victims
Erin Patterson’s in-laws likely spent their final moments writhing in agony as they succumbed to the death cap mushrooms allegedly inside their beef wellington lunch, a toxicologist has revealed.
‘Appalling and shocking’ racism in police forces, inquiry finds
An almost three-year federal probe has found Indigenous women and children are being murdered at shocking rates, with its harrowing findings finally released.
Another major accolade for the Tiser’s Dying Rose podcast
The Advertiser’s Walkley Award-winning podcast has taken home another top gong against some of the country’s best audio productions.
Bombshell moments from Dying Rose podcast
Six deaths. One national shame. Compelling true crime podcast Dying Rose follows a team of reporters as they piece together the untold story of how the authorities react to the deaths of Aboriginal women and girls. These are the bombshell moments from Dying Rose.
Dying Rose short-listed for Walkley
A team of journalists from The Advertiser have been named finalists in a string of prominent awards for compelling storytelling.
Drug lords behind Australia’s meth supply chain arrested
The Sinaloa cartel boss and El Chapo’s son, who play a huge role in the illicit drug trade on our streets, are now in custody.
AN0M app bust: What’s next after 62 convictions
Criminals using the “secret” AN0M app have been sentenced to three centuries of jail time, with dozens of cases still to hit court. See some of them who’ve been convicted.
Hells Angels’ cunning move to take Comanchero drug trade
The Hells Angels are preparing to take over Australia’s wholesale international drug trade after the arrest of Comanchero kingpin Hakan Ayik in Turkey. This is what’s afoot.
Aussie drug kingpin and bikie broker’s cunning move
An Australian fugitive on the run for a decade in Mexico, who is a key drug broker for bikie gangs, is suspected of taking a dramatic step to avoid capture.
New suspects, witnesses emerge in cold cases
“Legitimate and credible” clues have emerged after The Missing Australia’s inquiries into some of Australia’s most shocking cold cases. See what they are and listen to the whole series.
How a surprise meeting could unlock 51-year-old cold case
It’s a mystery that has endured for decades – but a shock encounter in a tattoo parlour has revealed an incredible behind-the-scenes struggle to find Kirste Gordon and Joanne Ratcliffe.
How snap bus strike changed missing Rhianna’s destiny
An ex-detective can’t get the abduction of Rhianna Barreau, 12, out of his mind. Listen to The Missing Australia podcast to see why, decades on, he thinks the case can still be solved.
Inside the final resting place of Sydney’s lost souls
They are the forgotten and unclaimed, buried in cemeteries across Australia. Dozens of lost souls, some given a pauper’s burial, others whose deaths have gone unnoticed in unmarked graves.
Hillsong loses $100k a week amid ATO investigation
The crippling finances have been exposed in new financial documents, with the Christian megachurch losing an eye-watering $5 million in just one year.
Hillsong twist as Brian Houston starts new church
The megachurch is making a major change to its complaints process amid a tax office investigation into whistleblower documents that was examined in Faith on Trial podcast.
ATO probes Hillsong fraud claims
The Christian megachurch is being investigated by the Australian Taxation Office’s private wealth team over leaked financial records.
Moment I saw myself standing next to a Hillsong paedo
Award-winning journalist Marc Fennell has revealed his mixed — and deeply personal — feelings on the controversial Hillsong, and how he found a photo that he thought never existed.
Fighting one of the biggest killers: Dr Vince Hurley Pt.1
When Vince Hurley was in the police, he went to 20 domestics in one night. He once held a 10 year old child in his arms as she died from stab wounds inflicted by her father. Although his detective career ended when he was pushed off a roof by crooks, Vince is now unmasking the dark truth of injustice in Australia: women killed at the hands of men.
Ugly truth of policing: Veronica Gorrie Pt.2
As a woman in the police, Veronica Gorrie felt she had to work 10 times harder than her male colleagues to earn her spot in the squad. From ending sieges with cigarettes to using dark humour to cope with horrific events, the award-winning author joins Gary Jubelin to discuss the brutal policing culture, shocking truths of injustice and her biggest regrets.
When cops are criminals: Veronica Gorrie Pt.1
Growing up, Veronica Gorrie feared the police. As an Aboriginal person, it’s their first instinct to call on each other, rather than the officers in blue. But that didn’t stop her from becoming a cop. For 10 years, Veronica enforced the law. She’s been assaulted, abused and even reported a complaint against herself. This is what policing is like through the eyes of an Aboriginal woman.
‘Why are you called crazy f**k?’: Gary and Andrew Pt.2
From Terry Falconer’s murder and road side meditation to his portrayal in Underbelly and his private life, Gary Jubelin answers all your questions. Joined by former guest and friend of the podcast, Andrew Hamilton, the comedian puts Gary in the interrogation seat.
One thing Kathleen Folbigg can’t do anymore
In a sneak peek of a TV documentary, Kathleen Folbigg is happy, relaxed and surrounded by love. But, while she enjoys freedom after 20 years behind bars, it’s clear she still has a long way to go.
Folbigg’s common link with Lindy Chamberlain
Kathleen Folbigg and Lindy Chamberlain have shared a rare connection of murder convictions and acquittals that have captured, reviled and divided the nation.
Diaries of a ‘depressed mother’
Kathleen Folbigg’s diaries belonged to a ‘grieving, depressed mother’, a chief justice has found, as she was granted an unconditional pardon and released from prison.
‘Dismayed, devastated’: Folbigg’s ex-husband upset
Kathleen Folbigg’s ex-husband Craig, who gave evidence against her, was “absolutely dismayed and devastated” that there was a further inquiry, according to his lawyer.
Everything you want to know: Gary and Andrew Pt.1
Why did Gary join the police? Why was he kicked off a plane? Why was he attacked by dogs during a covert operation? Who are the dumbest crooks?
Predators lurking in plain sight: Kristi McVee Pt.2
Former detective Kristi McVeee has interviewed hundreds of children who’ve been assaulted by paedophiles. From love bombing and online dangers to the sextortion gangs online, Kristi wants to empower children and end the insidious cycle of abuse.
BONUS: Taking on The Monster: Sam Goodman
Australian boxer Sam Goodman is preparing for the biggest fight of his career. Next month, he will be taking on Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue “The Monster” in front of a sold out crowd. He has been gunning for this very moment for years.
Catching paedophiles: Kristi McVee Pt.1
Former detective Kristi McVee can’t sleep if she’s not working to catch the bad guys. It’s her life mission to shine a light on the predators lurking in the shadows, abusing children. The former Western Australian police officer reveals how to spot sex offenders, how perpetrators target young kids and how you can protect your children.
More True Crime
Man charged with rape over Virgin crew attack in Fiji
A Fijian man who allegedly attacked a female Virgin flight crew member has been charged with rape. The incident has sparked a war of words in Fiji among nightclub owners over safety.
‘Not where we want to be’: Terror threat warning for Aussies
The Australian government never wanted our terror threat level to be where it is now. This is what security officials are doing after the New Orleans attack as they “take advice” from the US.
Australia under threat as ISIS targets more recruits
Islamic State are threatening to unleash carnage again and there is one disturbing tactic that has terror experts worried.
Tigers star charged with assault after late-night incident at Mulwala
Richmond’s Noah Balta has been charged with assault after a late-night incident at a sports club on the Victoria-NSW border that left a man in hospital.
Tobacco wars and terrorism the biggest concerns for federal police in 2025
The Australian Federal Police says it is ramping up its efforts to thwart international organised crime across the country.
‘Gave us the middle finger’: Dutton unleashes on child abuse
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has revealed that social media giants were obstructive over online child abuse ahead of the government’s world-first ban for under-16s.
17 men appeal in Pelicot rape case excluding Gisele’s ex-husband
Gisele Pelicot was hailed as a hero as she had her ex-husband convicted along with more co-defendants. Now, 17 of them have appealed and her ex has revealed why he won’t.
‘Playing the system’: Dad’s plea to Albo over killer fugitive driver
The father of a young man killed by drunk hit-run driver Puneet Puneet is pleading for the federal government to intervene – like it has for the Bali 5– and demand India brings the fugitive back to finally face justice.
Aussie terrorist Jake Bilardi’s recruiter takes bold legal step
The Islamic State terrorist who recruited Australian Jake Bilardi and encouraged him to blow himself up has made a big claim from behind bars.
Balenciaga bikie Tarek Zahed walks free from prison
Former Comanchero boss Tarek Zahed — who survived being shot 10 times at an Auburn gym — was released from a NSW prison early this morning.
‘More than 100’: Cops get new tips in JonBenet murder case
Police have been inundated with new tips since the release of Netflix’s viral hit new documentary on the murder of JonBenet Ramsey.
The Aussies spending Christmas behind bars
For the hundreds of Aussies behind bars in foreign jails, several of whom are still before the courts, this festive season will prove to have little cheer.
Melbourne Comanchero bikies linked to six murders
Extraordinary testimony from a key underworld figure has revealed some of the Comancheros’ darkest secrets.
Underworld feud behind Campbellfield shooting death
A 60-year-old man who was executed by gunmen on a nature strip had been involved in a years-long rivalry with major gangland figures.
Fatal five: Top Aussie cops reveal shock road crash causes
Australia’s top traffic police are making an extraordinary plea as they expose the fatal five factors causing a spike in road deaths, with many Aussies driving while drunk. See the video.
‘Joint criminal enterprise’: Judge slams police in Lawyer X scandal
A damning ruling on the use of Lawyer X – Nicola Gobbo – to gain convictions against drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has slammed a former police chief commissioner.
Albo’s stern Bali Nine message
As the saga of the Bali Nine drug smugglers ended in hugs and tears at Melbourne Airport, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had some choice words for future Aussie travellers.
Pizza party twist in Lawyer X scandal for Mokbel
A damning ruling on the Lawyer X convictions could today give drug lord Tony Mokbel a roadmap to challenge his convictions. Here’s how Nicola Gobbo and police brought down his cartel with pizza.
Sworn at, spat on, sexually harassed: Enough is enough
Tensions are rising as crowds hit peak levels in the lead-up to Christmas and retail workers are bearing the brunt. Industry leaders are saying the violence has to stop.
How Woolies, Coles workers are fighting back against vile thugs
Woolworths and Coles are stepping up measures to protect their workers against the growing rate of violence in supermarkets. See the video.
Tougher retail crime penalties needed against violent gangs
Aussie retailers want harsher penalties as organised crime gangs raid stores, bash workers — and it will only get worse before Christmas. Have your say.
Bikies murdered underworld heavyweight because they felt disrespected
Shocking details of what motivated three bikies to shoot dead gangland figure Mitat Rasimi in Dandenong have been laid bare following a three-month trial.
Identity of gunman who killed underworld figure in South Yarra revealed
A man who carried out the ambush killing of underworld figure Daniel O’Shea in Fawkner Park can now be named after he was found guilty of murder.
‘Irritable people’: Retail assaults spark compo fears
Aggression towards retail workers has risen over the past decade, and companies fear a new fallout from Aussie shoppers’ constant aggression.
Man caught on Google Street View putting dead body in car boot
This is the moment that led police to the arrest of two people after a man was spotted loading a large white plastic bag with a dead corpse into the boot of his car.
‘Told to f**k off’: Kmart worker cops black eyes in brutal attack
Retail worker Christine Smith was viciously assaulted at Kmart. She’s now speaking out to help protect others as many employees say they are afraid to come to work.
New Bunnings CCTV revealed as violent thugs attack workers
The nation’s retailers are suffering an epidemic of violence as thugs brazenly steal, threaten and assault innocent workers for the crime of doing their job. See the video.
Invitation to a massacre: Friend reveals new details of tragic day eight children killed
Chilling new details have been revealed 10 years after a psychotic mother killed her seven children and her niece in what has become one of the worst mass killings in Australia’s history.
New Aussie tech laws to stop child sex abuse, terror content
Tech giants will have to actively prevent the spread and storage of child sexual abuse and violent terror content under world-first laws taking effect in Australia.
‘Manipulative’ monster forced girl to cry in ‘violent sex’ videos
A man who coerced an underage girl to film “violent sex” videos for his own perverted “gratification” during an online relationship has been locked up for the vile offending.
Why sex fiend with shrunken genitals was driven to kill
A forensic psychologist has revealed how serial sex predator Mark Errin Rust’s small penis drove him to chase women he also murdered.
How I cracked ‘celebrity’ conman’s ‘Mr Charming’ act
Aussie conman Dimitri de Angelis fooled many with his so-called celebrity “friends”. But he couldn’t fool the forensic expert who exposed his dark side.
Twisted Minds quiz: Are you working with a psychopath?
Are you working with a psychopath? As part of our new Twisted Minds podcast series, we put your knowledge to the test.
Childers murders: ‘There were bodies still at the door’
Former detective and criminal behaviourist, Steve Longford, reveals what he saw and knew of the arson attack on the Childers backpacker hostel and Bali bombing.
Randomly attacked and violently strangled: Nina Funnell Pt.2
Nina Funnell was walking home when she was violently strangled and raped by a stranger. The man held a box cutter blade at her throat and threatened to kill her. The award-winning journalist shares how she survived the terrifying attack and what people can do to help survivors of sexual assault.
Justice Shouldn’t Hurt: Nina Funnell Pt.1
Sexual assault is about authority and control. And now award winning journalist Nina Funnell is helping survivors regain their power. After surviving her own horrifying attack, Nina has worked with dozens of victims to blow the whistle on some of the worst offenders in the country.
2024 – a year in crime: Part 1
Crime reporters Olivia Jenkins, Regan Hodge and Anthony Dowsley join Andrew to talk about the biggest stories of 2024, including Easey Street and the disappearance of Samantha Murphy.
Central Coast massacre: Ted Bassingthwaighte Pt.2
Ross Smith was eating chicken in the bath when he was shot dead by Malcolm Baker. Filled with wicked rage, Baker was on a violent killing spree, murdering his ex-girlfriend Kerryann Gannon and her pregnant sister Lisa Gannon, their father Thomas Gannon, his own son David Baker, as well as Ross’ partner Leslie Read. Within 50 minutes, six lives had been stolen. Former detective Ted Bassingthwaighte unpacks the harrowing massacre that’s rarely seen on Australian soil.
How I got ‘Chopper’ Read nude behind bars
Former prison officer Steve Bergervoet was just a rookie when he managed to get Mark ‘Chopper’ Read naked on his first day of work. Warning: Graphic
Prison slang quiz: What’s a peter thief?
Think you’ve got what it takes to talk like an inmate? As part of our new On Guard prison podcast series, we put your knowledge of jailhouse lingo to the test.
Prison slang quiz: What’s chicken soup?
Think you’ve got what it takes to talk like an inmate? As part of our new On Guard prison podcast series, we put your knowledge of jailhouse lingo to the test.
Massacre monster trades sex for chocolates
A prison officer who worked with Martin Bryant has revealed the serial killer is just a “big baby” and a nobody within the jail hierarchy. WARNING: Graphic
The lie that cost underworld figure his life
When Carl Williams lied about Michael Marshall’s involvement in a contract killing, he as good as signed the hotdog salesman’s death warrant.
Lunchtime jewel heist which rocked Sydney’s CBD
In what was considered the biggest jewellery heist of the first half of the 20th century, in 1947 a thief managed to steal jewels worth about $600k today. But his glory was short-lived.
Guyra Ghost of 1921 still remains a mystery
As Sherlock Holmes and spiritualism became popular, a ghostly case in the NSW town of Guyra led to hysteria spreading throughout Australia.
Sydney’s forgotten ‘Cocaine Queen’
A witness to one of Sydney’s oldest cold cases, madam May Smith, was later arrested by our first female detective. She was jailed and then disappeared from public records — and from memory.
Elite squad to track elusive murderer and cold case fugitive
It’s been almost a year since a confirmed sighting of one of Queensland’s most wanted men, cold case fugitive and convicted murderer Keith Lees, and police are stepping up the hunt.
‘Last ray of hope’ snuffed out with no charges over crayfish farm shooting
The family of a young scientist shot dead while working at a crayfish farm say they lost their “last ray of hope” after an inquest failed to result in charges against two people named by a coroner.
Disappearance, taxi driver, deathbed confession: 40-year mystery set to end
For four decades it has been one of Queensland’s most enduring cold case murder mysteries but today the state coroner hands down the findings into the 1986 disappearance of Sharron Phillips.
‘Other secrets’: Bombshell Ivan Milat theory
It’s one of Australia’s most infamous cases but serial killer Ivan Milat still has more skeletons yet to emerge.
New law to block legal challenge to AN0M sting
New laws will prevent any legal challenge to one of Australia’s most successful covert stings in organised crime using the encrypted AN0M application.
How Assange’s father is derailing his chance of a pardon
Australia spent significant political capital to get Julian Assange out of prison while the US attempted to extradite him on spying charges — but now his father has intervened.
‘Living nightmare’: Family pain of Aussies killed in the Philippines
The family of an Australian couple found dead in a hotel room broke down as they revealed the cruelty behind the senseless murder the Philippines.
Scary way criminals are using GPS trackers
Almost half of all GPS trackers are going to buyers with nefarious backgrounds and many are allegedly used in high-profile cases including the alleged murder of bikie boss Alen Moradian.
DNA bombshell in Janine Balding murder case
It was a horrific murder that shocked the nation. A startling new discovery will now form part of a legal push by one of Janine Balding’s convicted killers.
TV actor turned terrorist walks free from jail
An actor who was arrested and convicted as part of Australia’s largest terrorism operation is a free man after serving over 18 years.
Judge scolds AFP over ankle bracelets
A surprising argument about electronic monitoring used by the AFP to deny people bail has been lambasted in court.
Sneaky tactic assassins use to rope in unsuspecting Aussies
Organised violence is becoming an increasingly professionalised industry and oblivious Australians are being dragged into crime. See how.
Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/truecrimeaustralia