A former police officer took bribes in return for using his position to misuse information, influence others and commit blackmail over four years in Victoria, the state’s anti-corruption watchdog has alleged.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission on Friday revealed it had laid 48 charges against four people as part of Operation Bredbo, which investigated serious misconduct by a former detective sergeant at Victoria Police.
A former police officer has been accused of taking bribes and misusing his position.Credit: Jason South
The former officer was at the centre of the investigation alongside three civilians who were also charged on matters that relate to behaviour in Melbourne.
IBAC alleges the former detective sergeant was paid by associates, with the allegations he took advantage of his position to misuse information, improperly influence others and commit blackmail ranging between 2018 and 2022.
The man, in his 60s, has been charged with 17 counts of misconduct in public office, six counts of blackmail, 10 counts of bribery and one count each of attempting to pervert the course of justice and supply of an audiovisual recording.
Among the civilians, a 58-year-old man has been charged with four counts of bribery and two counts of blackmail. A second-58-year old man has been charged with four counts of bribery, and a 64-year-old woman has been charged with three counts of bribery.
All four are scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on February 5, with IBAC declining to comment further now the probe is before the court.
The announcement is the first public detail of IBAC’s work for 2026.
In November, IBAC Commissioner Victoria Elliott told The Age she wanted wider powers to fight graft, and more freedom to talk openly about her work.
