Crime Insiders

A case that started a manhunt, and ended in tragedy. A quiet town in the Blue Mountains, thrown into chaos by a shooting and the police's effort to track down the offender. 

Alan Leek is a 35 year veteran of the NSW Police. He spent almost his entire career as a detective; investigating high stakes and high profile investigations. For much of his life, violent crime was on his door step, and it was up to him to take it on - whilst balancing, life, family and more.

Join host Brent Sanders as he unpacks Alan's career, and gains an understanding of how he had such a long and successful career in the force. 

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A first hand account of how the GSK case was solved, the science used in Australia to crack similar cases and the ethical complexities that are muddying the waters. 

The case of the Golden State Killer puzzled police and amateur sleuths for decades. Then, in April 2018, a Sacramento man was arrested and charged. How did police find their man, and what led them to him after years of nothing but cold clues and lack of leads?

Genealogy is a complex, and often misunderstood science. But, according to Professor Dennis McNevin, an expert in the field of forensic genetics, it's a technique police are becoming more and more interested in, and something we could see used in Australia very soon. 

Join host Kathryn Fox as she unpacks Dennis' work and career, and dives into cases like the Golden State Killer and the Somerton man. 

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A single incident, can lead police down a path, which if they're not taken off, can lead to horrific consequences.

Beth Docksey had an illustrious career in the force, and should be recognised as one of NSW Police's shining lights. However, it took a surge of immense courage and resilience to get to where she is now. After a critical incident at the Eastwood Shopping Centre in Sydney - her husband Glenn began down a path that not many understood, one which culminated in a horrific incident years later.

The Crime Insiders team would like to extend a sincere thanks to Beth Docksey for giving her time and candour for this interview. Brent and the whole team would like to thank her for her service, and her continued work in bringing awareness to the challenges of mental health in policing. 

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Comedian Eurydice Dixon and student Aya Maasarwe were both victims of horrific crimes. The first responding forensic expert to those scenes was Jo Glengarry. She facilitated the investigation and performed the forensic tasks which contributed to convictions. 

Understand Professor Glengarry's process when being a first responding forensic expert to violent and confronting scenes, and understand the personal and professional toll that these cases had on her. 

Host Kathryn Fox talks to Jo about  and understands the nature of these crimes and how forensic experts respond and what processes go into facilitating a successful conviction.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT. (1800 737 732)

For counselling, advice and support for men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

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For more resources specific to your state or territory, visit www.respect.gov.au/services/

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It's more common than you think - a missing persons report is made every 18 minutes in Australia, and over 2,600 people are missing right now. 

Val Smith is a 35 year veteran of Victoria Police and an expert in the elusive field of missing persons. Throughout his time in the force he created a set of rules; engagement techniques that should be used if your loved one is lost or unaccounted for.

After retiring from the force, Val is helping families and police track down those often lost through the system. Through the charity Footsteps in the Wilderness, he investigates cold cases, discarded situations or simply forgotten stories. 

Unpack it all with host Brent Sanders, as he talks to Val about his extensive career and those crucial steps to potentially save someone from going missing. 

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A first hand account of how in a mass shooting, the preservation and storing of bodies is a horrific, but necessary process. It's crucial to ensure no evidence is lost and that they remain in a dignified and respectful state. 

Jodie is the Manager of Forensic Technical Services at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine - essentially meaning that she manages the mortuary. So she's responsible for the storage and maintenance of remains all across the state and country. 

Understand her incredible work, with host Kathryn Fox and hear the first hand account of Jodie's experience at the Broad Arrow Cafe in the aftermath of the Port Arthur Massacre. 

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A never before heard insight into centre of the siege. From communicating with snipers across the scene, to briefing the Prime Minister. But it's not all as it seems. The public was told a different story. 

Danny is a former NSW Police Officer who was a pivotal part of three of Sydney's most high profile criminal investigations. The Bilal Skaf case, also known as the Sydney Gang Rapes saw Danny as part of a search crew - looking for victims and building a case against Skaf and his affiliates. 

The Cronulla Riots, where Danny stood guard at the Lakemba Mosque amid an onslaught of violence; and then the Lindt Cafe Siege, arguably Sydney's most notable hostage situation.  

Danny goes into intense detail, and outlines beat by beat the details and processes of the investigation and the convictions. Unpack Danny's career in the force and the work he's doing now with host Brent Sanders. 

To see more of Danny, he can be found on Tik Tok. 

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Digging up a body is rare, and it's a strange and complex process. But why does it happen? And what do forensics learn by doing it?

Dr Jo Dufluo is a privately practicing forensic pathologist. He's worked across a range of forensic fields and has performed thousands of autopsies, examinations and post mortem analyses. Throughout his career, he's undertaken only a few exhumations - which is the process of removing a body from it's grave - but, the ones he has done, have been fascinating. 

Understand the process of Jo's work with host Kathryn Fox, and learn how the work of forensic experts around Australia and the world are helping solve crime. 

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Sandra Nicholson was at the heart of chaos. Whilst Melbourne was under siege during the Gangland Wars, and bushfires wreaked havoc across Victoria, those at the top of Vic Pol were forced to front the media and take responsibility for the intensity surrounding the city.

Sandra Nicholson was Assistant Commissioner at Victoria Police for 5 years, and steered the ship with Commissioner Christine Nixon. Sandra joined the service in 1975, and rose through the ranks until her retirement almost 40 years later. 

Brent Sanders chats with Sandra as she reflects on her career, and the high stakes work that took her from Social Service in NSW, to the second highest ranking female officer in the history of Victoria Police. 

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A body found wrapped in a carpet, and a species of fly that verified an alibi. The bugs and insects that end up on bodies contribute to a lot more than just decomposition, they can act as evidence for conviction or help prove innocence of a suspect. 

Dr Paola Magni is a forensic entomologist is considered the global face of the specialist forensic science that uses insects and other small creatures to help solve murders, suspicious deaths and cold cases.

Unpack the incredible work of Paola with host Kathryn Fox, and understand the intricate nitty gritty details of bugs, insects and dead bodies. 

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What toll does it take on a detective to investigate a missing persons case for 40 years? What do you tell the family? When do you stop looking, if ever? 

David Plumpton is an old school detective. A Tasmanian local, he joined the force because he wanted to make a difference. In his 40+ year career, he did much more than that. Unpack his career with host Brent Sanders, and hear how a double murder in Hobart, changed his career forever and why the case of Lucille Butterworth still stays with him, even now. 

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In 2014, flight MH17 was shot down, and 298 people died. A set of Australian experts were sent to investigate and assist. In the aftermath, victim identification is crucial in not only determining the identity of someone who's died, but in the matter of a criminal investigation, the cause of death. 

Professor David Ranson is a forensic consultant and the former Deputy Head of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. In 2014, David was one of the forensic experts sent to the Ukraine to assist in the forensic management of the shooting down of MH17. In conversation with host Kathryn Fox, understand the role that David played, and go into the detail of what an investigation of that size and politic significance involves. 

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Corruption in the police is a sad reality of the job. But for those investigating these coppers, it's especially hard. Often they're mates - but, they're mates who've committed crimes, so there's no holding back. 

Chris Coster is Victoria Police's last Chief Inspector. His 45-year career came to an end in 2019, and with it, the rank of Chief Inspector was phased out. During his time at Vic Pol, Chris was the Head of Recruiting - meaning he was the final filter in deciding whether a recruit would be handed a gun and a badge. Then, Chris developed and lead the incredibly successful Neighbourhood Watch Program - and finally, internal investigations; work which saw him investigating his mates, and making some incredibly tough calls.

Unpack his career with host Brent Sanders, and understand how Chris overcame immense challenges to be lauded as one of the greats of Victoria Police. 

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Toxicology deciphers death like nothing else. Results determine time of death, location, and method. But, how does it work?

Delving into the dark secrets of poisons, toxicology is the ultimate detective. Toxicologists like Dr Dimitri Gerostamoulos analyse hidden clues within biological samples, and help solve cases like murder investigations, unexplained deaths and drug overdoses. Toxicology acts as a window into crime both in time, and space. 

Dr Dimitri Gerostamoulos is the Head of Forensic Science and Chief Toxicologist at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. Talking to host Kathryn Fox, Dimitri explains how toxicology works in an Australian context, and goes back to why he entered the world of forensics, and explores cases that have affected him and stayed with him throughout his career. 

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In 2004, outside a pub, Australian Cricket legend David Hookes died. A manslaughter charge was laid, and a trial ensued. But no one was convicted, why? What were the processes that lead to the verdict, and how were the police involved? 

As well, what Underbelly doesn't show you. An unprecedented look at the killing of Alphonse Gangitano and the chaos which proceeded it - and, the Frankston Serial Killer Paul Denyer, and how he was caught. 

Charlie Bezzina is an unrelenting legend of Victorian Police - the man who helped catch Frankston Serial Killer Paul Denyer, and a key member of the team which fought against organised crime during the Melbourne Gangland wars of the 2000s. In his 35 plus year career, Bezzina has gone up against larger than life figures of the Australian crime world - but, in this chat with host Brent Sanders, understand the man behind the stories, and get an inside look into Bezzina and the world around him. 

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CTE is suprisingly common - but, it can only be diagnosed post-mortem, & by a forensic expert. So, how is does an examination work? And why is it so hard to have one done? 

Dr Linda Iles is a forensic neuropathologist, and someone who performs post-mortem brain examinations on people every single day. What she discovers in these exams is extraordinary, and telling to the life that person lead. 

More recently, CTE has been something she's on the look out for.  Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a progressive degenerative brain disease typically found in individuals with a history of repetitive brain trauma, such as athletes involved in contact sports like AFL, NRL, soccer and martial arts. 

Understand how someone is diagnosed post-mortem, and the intricate details of brain examinations with host Kathryn Fox; as she chats with Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine's Dr Linda Iles. 

For more information on CTE or if anyone you know is showing symptoms and you need support, visit the following resources: 

https://www.concussionfoundation.com.au/helpline

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A man-hunt that lasted more than 7 years. One of Australia's most wanted men finally caught. But by who? And at what cost?

Ricky Hennessy was an integral member of the NSW police force for over 22 years. His skill, and level of focus lead to several high-profile convictions all across Australia. One of his most notable, was the capture of fugitive and convicted killer Malcolm Naden; who was on the run in NSW bushland for more than 7 years. 

With host and former police officer Brent Sanders, understand Ricky Hennessy's work - and experience a behind the scenes retelling of the capture of Naden, and the interview and interrogation which lead to a successful conviction.

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What do the patterns tell us? Why is misting so important? How are blood patterns measured? Who does it? 

Blood spatter analysis is at the heart of CSI and other crime shows, but how is it really done? Professor Adrian Linacre is a forensic practitioner who specialises in body fluid dynamics and blood pattern analysis. He's spent years in the field, both in Australia and overseas in Glasgow, and has seen some fascinating cases. 

Hear about how forensic experts analyse blood patterns with host, crime author, screenwriter and former general practitioner Kathryn Fox - who will help unpack the unfiltered how and why of forensic investigations. 

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Taskforce Argos was built to catch the worst of the worst - to infiltrate and stop child exploitation material networks. 

Its former head, Jon Rouse spent years in the operation, and became entrenched in the world of saving children from abuse and sexual exploitation. Now, he's got some distance from the front-line, but, questions still linger. How does it all affect him? And what is he doing now after leaving the force? 

Unpack the incredible career, and the merciless work that Jon Rouse and the team at Taskforce Argos undertook, with host Brent Sanders. From analysing the most disturbing of images, to infiltrating online networks and executing raids. As many heard in the award winning podcast series The Children in the Pictures, Jon's work took him across borders, and down dark roads. Hear him explain the work and the toll it takes on this episodes of Crime Insiders: Detectives. 

This episode contains references to child sexual abuse and child exploitation material - please listen with care. 

If anyone you know has been affected by this material or you've been affected yourself, please reference the following resources: 

https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/operational-support/australian-centre-counter-child-exploitation

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A breakthrough new crime series is coming. Forensics, goes under the microscope.

Crime Insiders: Forensics unpacks the work of Australia's most decorated forensic experts, and details the methods and sciences used to help solve complex, high-profile crimes. Hosted by crime author, former medical practitioner and screenwriter Kathryn Fox, these unfiltered conversations go deep, and expel the myths and romanticised mistruths surrounding forensics and criminal science.

Episodes release weekly on Wednesday, starting on July 19th. 

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A breakthrough new crime series is coming. Real stories, from real detectives. 

Hosted by former police officer, Brent Sanders.

You’ll gain an insight into how detectives profile criminals, learn how they find killers, and most importantly rescue victims. This is your chance to dive into the lives of the people who work Australia’s most compelling crime cases, and learn how they solved them, to help give you a greater understanding of the mind of a criminal. And learn the way evil works to help protect yourself against crime, but also the impact that this type of work has on these detectives.

Episodes releasing every Monday, starting on July 17th.  

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The Children in the Pictures is the story you weren’t allowed to hear, but now it's finally out in the open. It’s a silent epidemic— and it’s coming for our kids.

Australian documentary-maker Akhim Dev follows the Queensland Police investigation of a notorious child exploitation website. ‘The Love Zone’ hosts thousands of members around the world creating, uploading, and sharing videos and photographic material of unimaginable acts against children.

This dark web network is infiltrated by an elite team of Australian investigators— Taskforce Argos. Argos use their global connections and controversial undercover strategies to take down hands-on abusers in order to save The Children in the Pictures. 

This 8 part series is a powerful examination into how child abuse has become endemic online, and what we can all do to fight it.

Search for 'The Children in the Pictures' wherever you get your podcasts. 

Warning: what you're about to hear involves crimes against children. Listener discretion is advised.

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3 year old Cheryl Grimmer disappeared without a trace from Fairy Meadow beach in 1970. This story has rocked Australia to its core and is covered by BBC's Fairy Meadow Podcast. In this special episode of Detectives, understand how Frank Sanvitale and Damian Loone, the two investigators, dedicated themselves to working the Grimmer case. They found a confession in 2016, but the suspect known as 'Mercury' walked free because the confession was deemed inadmissible. They talk about the lingering affects of watching someone you truly believe is guilty slip through the cracks because of loopholes and poor police processes. 

If you would like to keep up to date on more information on this case, Cheryl’s family have created the following Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/justiceforcherylgrimmer?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Search BBC's Fairy Meadow podcast on the LiSTNR app to hear the full story.

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Is Sydney at war? It seems like crooks are dropping like flies at the moment but former Detective Superintendent Deb Wallace says "The more sophisticated the gang the less violence you'll see - they know it's bad for business". Understand more about Bassam Hamzy, the rise of the Brothers 4 Life gang and how they tore themselves apart.

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How do police investigators get inside information into the underworld? And then what stops those cops from taking a little extra on the side during busts? Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Kos has fought police corruption and then paid the price.

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Years on from the atrocities that happened on August 9, 1987, which killed 7 people and injured 19 more hear from retired Detective Senior Constable Graham Kent to chat about the wanna-be soldier Julian Knight and what it was like for Graham to assess someone like this, as they were taken through a step by step account from Knight himself of the massacre.

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In her 36 years on the force, Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace has taken on bikie, Middle Eastern and Asian gangs, earning herself the nickname 'Gang Buster'. Deb talks about the inner workings of bikie gangs, and how police strategised to keep control and peace of its members.

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Living through domestic violence, Inspector Corey Allen remembers the times he had to call for police help when he was a boy. These lived experiences created an empathy which he has taken into the police force. Hear Corey talk about empathy and understanding for people on the other side of the law.

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Heavily exposed, with no idea on who surrounded them, ex-detective David Empey explains the events of a prison escape that led to his team getting ambushed. Hear David talk about the details of this ambush, including how they were equipped, the reality of bullets flying overhead and the decisions they had to make.

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As a large, heavily tattooed man, Steve Taylor (not his real name) was able to fit in with the crooks, but it was his life after his job where Steve needed help most, how do you return to a normal life after working undercover? Hear about the lingering traumas of a life undercover, losing his identity, dealing with the paranoia of crooks and the incredible things he was tasked with doing.

Trigger warning: Contains graphic details of violence and drug use.

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March 1986, a car bomb goes off outside the Russell Street Police Headquarters. The two officers involved were Angela Taylor and Carl Donadio. Sadly, Angela passed from her injuries that day, becoming the first Australian policewoman killed in action, but Carl survived and served another 15 years on the force. He speaks with Real Crime investigator Adam Shand about the undercover work he has done and what goes into preparing for those roles, and the moments from the day of the bombing cemented in his mind.

Trigger warning: Details of graphic injuries and death.

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In 1997, two young girls from Bega were kidnapped, raped and murdered. Mark Winterflood details the process of receiving the first notifications of the missing girls. He explains the hard reality of not pursuing clues and following them to the end, how important it was to maintain a good relationship with the perpetrator and having to deliver the hard news to the parents.

Trigger warning - this case details the heinous crime of the Bega school girls, and involves abduction, violence, rape and murder.

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A Taskforce known as Spectrum pursued a serial child abductor in Victoria, known as Mr. Cruel. Ex-Detective Chris O'Connor ran Victoria Police's child exploitation unit for a decade and over his career he has had the opportunity to look into the deepest recesses of the human psyche working within sex crimes in Victoria.

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How much resilience do you need when dealing with horrendous sexual offenders? Longest serving female police officer, Detective Senior Sergeant Joy Murphy discusses dealing with sexual offenders as a female officer , the issues with dating moving to online apps and how she likes to communicate with criminals.

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In the first part, Hateley describes training for a special operations unit and gearing up for a huge armed robbery, George Hateley describes the events of the armed robbery in 1992 and the decisions he had to make to try and prevent the robbery. Hear how the death of a villain continued to haunt Hateley, which led him to become the person to introduce the non-lethal taser into Australian forces.

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The Sons of God were a Special Operations Unit formed back in the 80's and George Hateley was head of operations, including during the shootout at Tullamarine airport in 1992. George explains why more crooks are killed than cops and the training it took to join a newly formed special operations task force and how they geared up for one of the biggest armed robberies in Victoria.

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After working on almost 200 murder investigations in 15 years at the Victoria Police Homicide Squad, Ex-Detective Jeff Maher now trains detectives at the police academy. Maher talks Peter Dupas, who was brought to justice for the murders of Nicole Patterson and Mersina Halvagis. Dupas was brought undone by his own methods. Maher says investigators continue to pursue Dupas for other murders with that unique signature.  

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Would you be able to get away with lying? Expert lie detector Steve Van Aperen talks about the clear give aways of liars, how certain criminals have tried to clear a lie detector test and some of the biggest murder cases that have been brought to justice through a simple line of deceptive questioning.

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A murderer shot down heart surgeon Dr. Victor Chang in a Sydney street. Retired NSW detective Jim Counsel, head of the 1991 investigation into the murder talks goes deep about the hunt to bring Chang's killers to justice which spanned two continents.

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