A former Australian Federal Police chief has explained why authorities are keeping operational details under wraps in the hunt for Dezi Freeman, as a veteran crime reporter urges police to turn to an “old-school” tactic.
The Australian Defence Force has now joined the manhunt, bringing technology described as “on another level” to help track down the alleged police killer.
Freeman, a 56-year-old self-declared sovereign citizen and experienced bushman, has been on the run for nine days. He allegedly fatally shot Detective Leading Constable Neal Thompson and Constable Vadim De Waart on August 26, 2025 in Porepunkah, during the execution of a warrant for alleged historic child sex offences.
Police believe Freeman may be receiving outside help as he continues to evade capture in rugged bushland near Mount Buffalo National Park.
David Craig, a former AFP detective superintendent, said it was clear investigators are becoming “frustrated” with the massive operation.
“This isn’t a particularly unusual thing for the military to be involved in a major operation. We’re not talking about the military parachuting in and running around in Bushmasters. We’re talking about a level of technology and expertise that a civilian power normally doesn’t have,” he told Seven’s Sunrise.
Asked to elaborate, Craig declined to list specifics, saying the details were not publicly known and he was “not comfortable” sharing them. He described the ADF’s contribution as “on another level.”
“The operation will still be led by Victorian Police who are doing a very good job with this,” he said.
“They just need some additional technical support, and in some cases similar to this where the military have not been involved, they’ve gone unresolved in these manhunts.”
Meanwhile, veteran crime reporter John Silvester has called for police to issue a reward. Speaking on 3AW’s Ross and Russ, he said the ballooning cost of the operation, estimated at up to $200,000 a day, could be offset by a bounty.
“It’s pretty simple. We go old school today and that is you put in a bounty, $250,000 for Dezi Freeman,” he said.
“And that would mean anyone who was harbouring (him) could think, ‘hmm, I can do pretty well here with one phone call’.”
When hosts raised the possibility of bounty hunters joining the search, Silvester said police could manage the risk by sealing off the area.
“The reality is $250,000 out now and get this matter dealt with. That’s the really easy thing. The last thing we need is a mystery,” he said.
But Craig argued a reward may not work, pointing to Freeman’s links with the sovereign citizen movement.
“That is a very hard ideological group,” he said, adding they were unlikely to “roll over” for cash.
He cited the case of New Zealander Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his three children in 2021. Despite an $80,000 reward offered in 2024, Phillips and the children remain missing.
Police are urging Freeman to surrender before the funerals of the two slain officers, set for September 5 and 8.
Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said more than 100 properties have been searched in what has been a “complex” and “difficult” operation.
“He does not deserve to be protected,” Bush said. “This person needs to be in custody, held accountable and kept away from the community.
“Our resolve and determination grows by the day to bring this to a safe conclusion. The community and Victoria Police would love to see this resolved before those funerals.”
Freeman’s wife, Amalia, has been interviewed by investigators and may face charges of obstructing police over the day of the shooting.
She has not yet provided a formal statement through her lawyer.
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