Thieves attempt to steal body of underworld boss' sister in Melbourne
Police are investigating after two men attempted to steal the body of underworld boss George Marrogi's sister in Melbourne's north-east earlier this year.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks told reporters the men broke into Preston General Cemetery shortly before 5am on July 30.
He said the men opened the casket and removed a diamond ring from the body of Meshilin Marrogi.
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The crypt and memorial for Meshilin Marrogi in Preston General Cemetery. The Age
The incident was targeted at jailed crime boss George Marrogi. Nine
"Ordinarily, we wouldn't name a person in these circumstances, but I think there's a public interest in doing so," Banks said.
"We don't want the community thinking this is anything but a very targeted incident."
CCTV captured the two men breaking into the mausoleum while wearing gas masks, hooded jumpers and dark clothing.
"They attempted to access the casket, in doing so they managed to break a glass window in the coffin and they removed a diamond ring of substantial value," Banks said.
"However, police do not believe theft was their motivating reason for their attendance that day, the motivating reason we believe was the removal of the body from the mausoleum and take it away.
"We don't have clarity of what the purpose of taking it away was for but certainly it was to cause friction and hurt to the brother of Meshilin, who is George Marrogi."
Marrogi is serving a 32-year jail term for the murder of an underworld rival.
While behind bars, he had another 16 years added to his sentence for drug trafficking.
He's also accused of founding the Notorious Crime Family gang while behind bars.
Meshilin Marrogi died aged 30 in 2021 after contracting COVID-19.
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Police have released CCTV of the two men in the cemetery. Victoria Police
They were wearing gas masks and hooded jumpers. Victoria Police
Detectives are trying to work out if they were hired by a group to commit the crime. Victoria Police
Banks didn't identify the man believed to be behind the incident but said he was part of a "significant criminal enterprise".
"We've received consistent information since this incident occurred that a male who is overseas has directed this incident," he said.
"He's a person of substantial criminal background, he's no longer a resident of Australia.
"We believe that he's leading a significant criminal enterprise that's impacting not just Victoria but other states."
Police have released CCTV of the two men who were wearing gas masks, hooded jumpers and dark clothing.
The two men are described as being of larger build and one had a smaller build, officers said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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