POLICE in Victoria have set up a new multi-agency unit to expose the hidden links between racing and organised crime in a major security shake-up of the billion-dollar industry, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.Its report adds: Detectives will target criminals who have secret investments in thoroughbred, harness and greyhound stock.The new strategy unit, which includes three superintendents, racing detectives, Purana task force organised crime experts, criminal asset investigators and taxation
POLICE in Victoria have set up a new multi-agency unit to expose the hidden links between racing and organised crime in a major security shake-up of the billion-dollar industry, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
Its report adds: Detectives will target criminals who have secret investments in thoroughbred, harness and greyhound stock.
The new strategy unit, which includes three superintendents, racing detectives, Purana task force organised crime experts, criminal asset investigators and taxation 0fficers, will authorise and oversee long-term racing-connected investigations.
Purana investigations have established that gangsters have infiltrated racing to launder millions in drug money through friends, family and racing connections. The investigations found corrupt links between racing figures and known criminals, including: questionable property deals, sham horse ownership, secret commissions, false accounting, money laundering and hidden investments.