Victoria Police launched a large-scale operation on Tuesday, visiting homes from Wangaratta to Buckland, knocking on doors and speaking with residents as part of the ongoing search for fugitive Dezi Freeman. Officers are investigating both populated and remote areas, ensuring local safety while asking residents to report any suspicious activity.
Two helicopters were seen circling over Mount Buffalo National Park shortly before sunset, while officers used high-powered torches to search hillsides and difficult terrain near Porepunkah. The seriousness of the operation prompted the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to respond, providing specialist capabilities and planning support to assist police in the search.
A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed that ADF specialists were helping with planning and operational support but could not provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the operation. Freeman, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen criticised for pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars in disability pensions while refusing to recognise the state, remains at large. Police maintain a high-alert status across Victoria.
Local communities are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, as search operations continue across a wide area of the state.
