Exclusive inside victoria police taskforce viper cracking down on organised crime 20230316 p5re49.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Inside the taskforce cracking down on organised crime groups

Sam Cucchiara

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A Current Affair

Exclusive: More than 60 guns have been taken off the streets and 264 organised crime figures arrested as a Victorian-first anti-gangs taskforce crumbles the foundations of crime lords.

The Victoria Police Viper Taskforce, which was set up mid-last year following a string of shootings between warring gangs, has also helped lock up half of the Comancheros members, officers say. 

Over three months, A Current Affair was given exclusive access inside Viper as its officers raided Hells Angels bikie club houses and intercepted organised crime figures in major traffic operations. 

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The Victoria Police Viper Taskforce.

The Victoria Police Viper Taskforce. A Current Affair

Over three months, A Current Affair was given exclusive access inside Viper.

Over three months, A Current Affair was given exclusive access inside Viper. A Current Affair

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Detective Inspector Craig Darlow, who oversees the taskforce, said it was made up with officers from across Victoria Police.

"We've got members from State Highway Patrol, Crime Intelligence, Criminal Proceeds, Fraud, Armed Crime," he said.

"We're changing our focus to not only hurt the people at the top end of organised crime, but also the people that help and support them making their millions."

Detective Inspector Craig Darlow.

Detective Inspector Craig Darlow. A Current Affair

Superintendent Jason Kelly.

Superintendent Jason Kelly. A Current Affair

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Superintendent Jason Kelly told A Current Affair police were making it as "hostile" as possible for the syndicates to operate.

He said an increasing number of youth gang members, once traditionally engaged in less serious street crime, were increasingly being "manipulated" by senior organised crime figures to commit more serious offending.

"They're really preying on these younger people to be lackeys," he said. 

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"The seizure of 60-plus firearms is a significant result that will reduce things such as homicides (and) non-fatal shootings."

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