Conman allegedly posing as police officer in Porepunkah shooting scam

A conman claiming to be raising money for the families of two police officers allegedly killed by “sovereign citizen” Dezi Freeman is reportedly preying on the devastated town of Porepunkah, police warn.

In a statement on Wednesday, Victoria Police said it had received a report of the scam targeting residents and businesses in the Alpine and Wangaratta regions, near where the shootings took place.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart.

“The male is purporting to be a police officer and is attempting to obtain donation packages ranging from $500-$2500, with levels of business advertisement in return for each donation,” police said.

“Anyone who receives a call like this is urged not to make a payment and instead report the matter to police by calling or visiting their local police station.”

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Police said the only police-recognised fundraiser for officers and their families was the Victoria Police Legacy fund.

The Legacy fund has so far raised more than $135,000 for the families of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart.

They were shot dead in Porepunkah on August 26 while serving a warrant on Freeman, who also allegedly injured a third officer.

Freeman has not been seen since fleeing into nearby bushland following the shootings, and a huge search – one of the largest in Victoria’s history – to find him continues in Victoria’s High Country.

Victoria Police did not respond to questions by this masthead.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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