A Melbourne based crime syndicate believed to be behind a number of heists claiming more than $6 million is now being investigated by Victoria Police over three executions.
According to the Melbourne daily Herald Sun, police now suspect that the same gang is involved in cold-blooded killings and other criminal activity spanning 22 years.
The taskforce, which is running Operation Tideland, has been investigating a link between the heists and the murders since January this year.
“We are investigating the three murders but also a number of historical armed robberies that we believe have been committed by the same sophisticated criminal syndicate,” taskforce head detective Sen-Sgt Mark Burnett said, speaking to the Herald Sun.
The murders under investigations are those of George Germanos at Armadale in 2001, Dimitrios Belias in St Kilda Road in 1999 and Maryanna Lanciana at Werribee in 1994.
Victoria Police offered two $1 million rewards earlier this year for leads that might result in the arrest of the killer of Dimitrios Belias and George Germanos.
Dimitrios Bellias was killed in an execution-style murder in a car park on St Kilda Road in 1999, while George Germanos was fatally shot in 2001 and his body was found in a park in Armadale.
People able to assist the investigations can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppers.com.au