Dezi Freeman, Background Checks, Privacy, Surveillance and a dose of reality

In this episode, we cover:-

1- The end of the Desmond Freeman manhunt in Victoria!

2- Q and A - How much information about me is online?

3- Don't DIY surveillance.

4- The purpose and outcomes of a professional background check.

Got a question for our podcast or do you need to contact Simon and the Down Under Investigations team? Simply email info@downunderinvestigations.com or call 1300849007 or check out www.downunderinvestigations.com

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Hi, and welcome to the latest podcast episode of Garland Investigation Federal. We discuss all things on investigation, process learning, tracing, and development. We can hear all of our legal information and technique, legal needs and accurate information that is five industry. Let's join our first time.

SPEAKER_00 0:22

Thanks for joining us today. We're going to dive into a story that is huge in Victoria. You may have heard of around Australia and probably pretty obscure around the world, but it's the case of Desmond Desi Freeman. It's basically Victoria's longest and most complex manhunt, which ended only a few days ago. The case of Desi Freeman is one that shook Victoria to the core. It began as a targeted police operation in a quiet alpine town and quickly escalated into a deadly ambush, followed by a seven-month manhunt across some of Australia's harshest terrain. It's a story of escalation, isolation, and persistence. It ended in a final confrontation that brought closure, but not without lasting impact. Desmond had a troubled history with authority. He was 56, he lived in the small township of Porpunker in Northeast Victoria, near Bright, which is a beautiful holiday town, not far from the snowfields. Known locally as Desi, he kept a low profile socially, but had a long and often confrontational history with authorities and police. He had spent years in disputes involving police, courts, government agencies. He was widely reported to hold a citizen, sovereign citizen belief, rejecting the legitimacy of laws and authority. Those beliefs often translated into behavior that brought him into contact with police. While not known as a major violent offender prior to 2025, his interactants were frequent, described as combative, particularly when it came to legal processes and enforcement actions. The background would later become central to understanding what unfolded. So on the morning of the 26th of August 2025, a team of Victoria police officers arrived at Desmond Freeman's rural property on Rayner Track. The operation was not random. It was part of an ongoing investigation by the Wangarata sexual offenses and child abuse investigation team. The officers were there to execute a warrant. What they encountered was completely unexpected. This is according to police. They arrived shortly after um morning and they were met with gunfire. The situation escalated instantly into a deadly ambush. Two highly respected officers lost their lives. Detective leading Senior Constable Neil Thompson, 59, and senior constable Vadim de Wahart to Hotart. Dutch surname I suggest, who was 35. A third officer was also seriously injured but survived. The shock of the incident reverberated across the state. Police had attended what should have been a controlled warren execution, but instead walked into a lethal and premeditated situation. Freeman fled immediately after the shooting, disappearing into the surrounding bushland. See his property sits on the edge of dense mountainous terrain, an environment that would become a major factor in the months that followed. This alpine region, including Mount Buffalo National Park, is vast, rugged, and heavily forested. It offers countless places to hide, limited access routes, and difficult search conditions. Police quickly realized they were not dealing with a typical fugitive. He was believed to have known that terrain very intimately, being able to survive off-grid and potentially have access to weapons and supplies. Within days the search expanded dramatically. There was a huge police response. The manhunt was that followed was one of the largest in Victorian police history. The search included special tactical units, air support, including helicopters, thermal imaging and drones, donk squads, and search and rescue teams that were familiar with the local alpine conditions. At its peak, hundreds of officers were involved with support from interstate and even New Zealand agencies. Despite the scale, progress was slow. Assistant Commissioner Martin O'Brien made the forces position clear early. We remained committed to doing everything we can to locate Desmond Freeman. But as days turned into weeks, the troubling reality set in. There was no confirmed sightings. They went for months without a trace, and by late 2025, the investigators had entered a frustrating phase. Police received thousands of public tips, but none led to a confirmed breakthrough. Sightings were reported across Victoria and even interstate. But all proved inconclusive. Commissioner Mike Bush acknowledged the uncertainty. We've had no positive sightings, but still we're no clear earth as to whether he's dead or alive. Investigators were forced to consider multiple possibilities. Either he was hiding in remote bush land, he had the fled the region entirely, he had died in the wilderness, or he was receiving assistance from others. Each possibility required different investigative strategies, stretching resources and a complicating search. In 2025, Victoria Police escalated their efforts further by announcing a$1 million reward, the largest effort offered in the state. The reward was specifically for information leading to Freeman's arrest, signaling police still believed he could be alive. Detective Inspector Dean Thomas emphasized its significance. This is the largest reward on offering Victoria. We are seeking information that will lead to his arrest. This announcement generated public attention and another surge of information, but still nothing definitive emerged. One of the most puzzling aspects of the case was Freeman's ability to evade detection for so long. Police had believed he was either moving at night, he was avoiding roads and populated areas, and he was using natural cover and terrain to stay hidden. There was an ongoing investigation into whether he had help through food drop-offs, shelter, communication, but no clear evidence publicly confirmed this. At times, the lack of activity led investigators to scale back active operations and shift towards intelligence-led policing. That became less about searching and more about waiting to find the right piece of information. The breakthrough finally came in March 2026. Police received some intelligence pointing to a remote rumor or property near Victoria, New South Wales border. The tip suggested Freeman may have been hiding there. Specialised units, including the special operations group, were deployed. What they found was not a man wandering in the bush, but someone concealed in a makeshift structure, reportedly a modified container or hidden shelter. Then came the final standoff. Police surrounded the location and initiated contact. What followed was a three-hour standoff. Authorities say Freeman was given multiple opportunities to surrender peacefully, but he refused. During the confrontation, police alleged Freeman produced a firearm and imposed a immediate threat. Officers responded with lethal fire. Freeman was shot and died at the scene. No police were injured during the operation. The shooting marks the end of a seven-month investigation that had stretched police resources and deeply affected the community. As with all police shootings, the incident is subject to review, but initial statements indicate the actions of officers were justified given the threat. A quick focus returned to the two officers who had lost their lives. Their deaths remain at the heart of the case, a reminder that the risks faced by police come even in routine operations. This case will be remembered for a long time. The Freeman Manhunt case stands in one of the most complex and sobering cases in Victoria's history. It highlights three key realities. How quickly police work can become life-threatening, the challenges of locating a fugitive in remote terrain, and the importance of persistence, intelligence, and coordinated. Above all, it's a story of loss, determination, and the pursuit long term of a resolution. Right now we're going to answer our question of the day. Today's question is how easy is it for someone to find out personal information about me online? See the answer is it's a lot easier than most people think. You don't need to be a hacker or have access to anything illegal, because there's a surprising amount of personal information available through public and legally accessible sources. It's just a matter of knowing where to look and how to piece it all together. See, most people leave behind a digital footprint without realizing it. Social media is the obvious one, but it goes much further than that. Things like old online accounts, business listings, forums, competition entries, property records, and even small details shared by friends or family can all contribute and they all create your own digital footprint. Individually, those bits of information may seem harmless, but when someone experienced connects the dots, they can build a pretty detailed picture. That can include where you live, where you work, your daily routines, and who you're connected to. The biggest red flag comes with people's social media accounts where people are posting photos and they're excited because it's the kids' first day of primary school. So what do they do? They put a photo up of their kid in the primary school uniform and you can see the logo. Make sure you blur those things out or cover them if you want to put photos of your kids online. I mean, I suggest, you know, keeping the kids offline is probably best. But if you need to do it, do you want to do it, do you want to share it with friends and family, even if you're sharing it privately, make sure you're only putting photos up without those logos or the logo on the bag and things like that. So what takes the average person a long time to find can often be done much more efficiently with the right tools and experience, and importantly, all within legal boundaries. So the key takeaway to your digital footprint and keeping yourself safe online and hiding your identity is awareness. Most people aren't at risk of being specifically targeted. In fact, we get plenty where people are like, oh, people are accessing my information. It's like, well, you're putting the information out there. Most people aren't at risk of being specifically targeted, but understanding how easily information can be gathered is a good reminder to be mindful of what you share and what's publicly visible. Your online presence tells a story, so it's worth making sure it's one you're comfortable with. And if you don't want your information to be out there, do not put it online, even if it's behind a wall or on in a private Facebook account.

SPEAKER_01 11:22

To enter our question of the day competition and be eligible to win a prize value at$100, simply email your question to info at downunderinvestigations.com. Now let's get back to the podcast episode.

SPEAKER_00 11:40

Now we're going to talk about the hidden dangers of surveillance. Why doing it yourself is never the answer. In today's world, the idea of gathering information about someone might seem pretty straightforward. Smartphones, cameras, online tools give the impression that anyone can conduct surveillance safely. But the truth is far more complicated and far more dangerous. Attempting surveillance yourself can put you in serious legal jeopardy and even endanger your safety. See, there's legal risks of DIY surveillance. One of the biggest dangers of attempting surveillance is your own legal liability. Laws exist to protect privacy and prevent harassment, and violating them can have severe consequences. Firstly, invasion of privacy. In Australia, it's illegal to record someone without their knowledge in situations where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as inside their home. Secretly filming, photographing, or even tracking someone can lead to criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Secondly, stalking and harassment charges. Following someone or repeatedly monitoring their activities can constitute stalking. Even if your intentions seem harmless, the law focuses on the effect of the person being watched. Harassment can result in restraining orders, fines, or jail time. Thirdly, trespassing and criminal offences. Trying to get close to someone's property for surveillance can involve trespass break-ins or other property crimes. These carry significant penalties and criminal records. Fourth, digital monitoring and cybercrime. Accessing someone's phone, computer, or online accounts without permission is absolutely illegal under cybercrime laws. This includes hacking, spyware, installation, or even remotely monitoring devices. The penalties are severe and can include imprisonment. So the key takeaway here is the law doesn't differentiate between private investigator tools and do-it-yourself methods. Unauthorized surveillance is always unauthorized surveillance and it's treated very seriously. So what about the personal risks beyond the law? Even if you somehow avoid the legal trouble, conducting surveillance yourself carries real personal risks. The physical danger. Many cases show that individuals caught spying can react unpredictably. Sometimes violently, you could easily put yourself in harm's way. Number two, the mental and emotional strain. Surveillance itself can be and is stressful and exhausting. Constantly monitoring someone, analysing movements, and worrying about being discovered can take a serious toll on your mental health. Obsessive surveillance can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and very poor decision making. Thirdly, compromised evidence. See, without proper training, it's easy to ruin your own evidence. Footage or photos taken illegally may be unsuitable in court and could actually harm your position legally. And fourthly, accidental crime. Even small mistakes like being caught trespassing or accidentally breaking something can escalate quickly. One misstep can turn a surveillance attempt into a criminal case against you. Here's why hiring a professional is different. Professional private investigators operate under strict legal and ethical guidelines. Firstly, legal operations. Investigators are licensed and trained in what's legal and what's in what's not. They understand state and federal privacy laws and follow them to the letter. Well, to be honest, not all do, but we do. We have seen many cowboys in the industry, but they're slowly getting weeded out, which is great. Secondly, safety protocols. Professionals are trained to minimize risk for themselves and their clients. They know how to gather the information without endangering anyone. And also without getting caught. Reliable evidence. Evidence collected by licensed private investigators is admissible in court because it's gathered illegally and ethically. Do-it-yourself surveillance often fails this test. And objectivity. Professionals remain objective. Emotionally involved individuals trying to investigate themselves can make dangerous mistakes or misinterpret situations. So when it comes to the courts, the lawyers and the judges want to know how the evidence was obtained and whether it was obtained by an objective individual who's not just out to try and catch someone, but who's out there objectively, just gathering evidence of what they see, what they hear. So real life consequences we need to consider are someone installing hidden camera in a neighbour's property without consent was charged with multiple counts of illegal surveillance and invasion of privacy. Another one, a person following an ex-partner across town was arrested for stalking after a confrontation turned violent. And also attempting to track someone digitally without permission led to cybercrime charges and a criminal record. They're not just hypotheticals, they're real outcomes that show how quickly do-it-yourself surveillance can spile out of control. So what's the bottom line? Trying to conduct surveillance yourself is not only illegal but also potentially dangerous and emotionally taxing. Whether your goal is to gather evidence for a legal matter, investigate suspicious activity, or protect yourself, hiring a licensed professional is the safest and most effective option. Licensed private investigators have the training, the tools, and legal knowledge to collect information safely and ethically. Attempting to do it on your own puts yourself at a risk of criminal charges, personal harm, and unreliable evidence. So here's the thing, if it feels like just watching someone is harmless, think again. Privacy laws are strict, people can react unpredictably, and the risks are very real. Make sure you always leave it to the professionals. Now, as an alternative to surveillance, one thing that we offer is a background check. This isn't necessarily following a person, but this is finding out as much information about an individual as possible. So we want to talk about understanding background checks, who needs them, what they reveal, and why they matter. Because in today's world, knowledge is power. And when it comes to safety, security and trust, few tools are as valuable as a thorough background check. Whether it's for personal reasons, professional purposes, or business decisions, a background check can provide clarity and peace of mind. So who can benefit from a background check? Firstly, employers. Hiring the right staff is critical. Background checks help verify a candidate's employment history, qualifications, criminal record, and they reduce the risk of fraud or workplace issues. Another landlords. Renting out property is a big responsibility. Checking potential tenants for past evictions, criminal history, or financial instability helps landlords protect their property and ensure reliable tenants. Also, individuals in personal situations. See before entering into personal arrangements such as a nanny, caregiver, long-term roommate, a background check can help confirm trustworthiness and reveal any concerning history. You know, we even conduct background checks on future spouses, on when someone's about to get engaged. They are maybe not sure, they might see some red flags and just want to know what is actually going on, what this person's got in their past. Absolutely confidential the way we do it. And often it gives either peace of mind or some real clarity to the individual who's about to get into the relationship. Sometimes it causes them not to get into the relationship. A fourth one is business partners. Entrepreneurs and investors can benefit from checking the background of potential partners, ensuring final financial reliability and reputation before committing to partnerships. And fifth, with volunteering and community work. So we've talked about who can benefit. What can a background check reveal? The depth of a background check can vary depending on your needs. Some common findings include, as we've mentioned, criminal records, past convictions, pending charges, legal disputes. They can also reveal employment history, verification of past positions, roles, and duration of employment, perhaps why they actually left that employment, whether they were sacked or whether they left voluntarily. Educational verification, confirming degrees, certifications, or professional training. Financial background, whether someone's bankrupt, has credit issues or financial mismanagement. Also just simply to verify identification, confirming legal identity and previous addresses, being sure someone's being honest about their identity. There's also civil legal issues, whether to do with civil cases or restraining orders or lawsuits, seeing if someone has those sorts of things in their past. And also someone's social media and online presence. See the publicly available information that may affect trustworthiness. Things that might come back and bite them in the future. See, a professional investigator can tailor the level of the search to the detail required to ensure the information is accurate, relevant, and legally obtained. So here's the benefits. Conducting a background check can offer several clear advantages. One, peace of mind. Knowing the history of the person you're hiring, renting, or partnering with reduces anxiety and uncertainty. Secondly, it reduces risk. Background checks can uncover red flags early, help prevent fraud, theft, or unsafe situations. Thirdly, legal protection. By conducting due diligence, you demonstrate that you have acted responsibly, which can help you in legal disputes or liability cases down the track. Fourthly, better decision making. Access to accurate information allows you to make informed choices, whether in business, hiring, or professional relationships, even personal relationships. And fifth, enhanced security. For organizations, consistent background checks are part of a broader risk management strategy, keeping workplaces and communities safers. So why are professional investigators the smart choice? Because it may be tempting to conduct your own searches online. DIY methods come with significant risks. They can be incomplete and inaccurate, which can lead to false conclusions and accusations. There's legal pitfalls that exist when accessing certain databases or using information improperly. And there's time and expertise, which is often underestimated. Professionals know where to look, how to look, how to verify, and what information is actually reliable. Because you'll find today with AI that there isn't always the truth that comes out when you do searches, either Google or through your chat GPTs or other other sites. Sometimes they're tainted, sometimes they are false, but we verify the information before we provide it to a client. So hiring a licensed investigator ensures your background check is thorough, accurate, and legally compliant. So background checks are more than just a tool, they're a safeguard. Whether you're an employer, landlord, business owner, or someone making personal decisions, a background check can save you from costly mistakes, provide peace of mind, and ensure that you're making informed choices. Safety, security, and trust begin with knowledge. A professional background check is the most reliable way to get it.

SPEAKER_01 23:25

Thanks for listening. To get in touch with the team at Down Under Investigation, check out our website at downmunderinvestigations.com. Or info at downunderinvestigations.com.