By Danielle Kutchel
Detectives from Casey Crime Investigation Unit are appealing for information as part of an investigation into a series of incidents in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs.
Investigators are currently looking at links between a number of incidents over the past six months, including kidnappings and extortions.
A warrant was executed at a residential property in Tongola Court on Thursday 5 August in connection with an incident in May, in which a 21-year-old male sustained life-threatening injuries.
The man was stabbed, bashed and burned in what police have likened to torture.
He spent several weeks in intensive care in the Alfred Hospital and is not yet fully recovered.
Police initially believed the man had been kidnapped and taken to a park, but now understand he was taken to a house where he was held captive and seriously assaulted for several hours before being released.
The Tongola Court property is being examined by police to determine if it is a potential crime scene.
No arrests have yet been made in connection with the assault, and police said the occupants of the property have been cooperating with their investigations.
Speaking to media on Thursday 5 August, Detective Senior Sergeant Glen Cruse from Casey Criminal Investigation Unit said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear, but that information received by police had led them to execute the search warrant.
He said there had been an increase in a type of offending that he described as “torturous assaults” in the area.
“Generally speaking, these types of incidents are linked to drug trafficking networks, syndicates or other organised crime,” he said.
“We believe that to be a likely motivating factor.”
Det Snr Sgt Cruse said the incidents occurred around Cranbourne and Dandenong.
Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who may have further information about the incident in May or who has witnessed any suspicious activity linked to the property in Tongola Court.
This includes anyone seen attending the property or any vehicles regularly parked at the address.
“We believe there are people with information about this incident that are out there, that may be considering supplying information to us,” Det Snr Sgt Cruse said.
“We can provide a level of protection for those people that come forward; they can come forward anonymously if they like.
“Any information is useful, it may well provide us with a piece of that puzzle that we’re looking for.”
Police stressed that the incidents are believed to be targeted in nature and confined to a particular network of people, and there is no reason for the general public to be concerned.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
