Police investigating the network of people who allegedly assisted notorious fugitive Desmond "Dezi" Freeman while he was on the run have carried out a series of coordinated raids across Victoria and New South Wales, resulting in the arrest of a 64-year-old man.
The joint operation, involving Victorian and NSW police, unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with officers executing search warrants at seven rural properties linked to the investigation.
Authorities searched properties located at Buckland, Stanley and Lucyvale in Victoria, as well as Greenwich Park, Tarlo, Wombeyan Caves and Umina Beach in New South Wales. Investigators are attempting to determine whether individuals knowingly provided Freeman with assistance, accommodation or resources while he evaded police for months.
A 64-year-old man from Lucyvale, Victoria, was arrested in Wodonga and taken into custody for questioning. Police confirmed he is currently being interviewed in connection with the ongoing investigation.
During the operation, officers also arrested a 47-year-old man from Wombeyan Caves at a property in Greenwich Park. However, police said this arrest was related to outstanding warrants unrelated to the Freeman investigation.
Detectives are continuing to speak with several individuals residing at the targeted properties as they seek to establish the extent of any support network that may have enabled Freeman to remain hidden for an extended period.
The investigation stems from one of Australia's most shocking attacks on police officers in recent years.
In August 2025, Freeman, aged 56, was at his property in Porepunkah, Victoria, when police attended to question him regarding allegations of child sexual abuse. During the confrontation that followed, Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were fatally shot.
Freeman fled the scene and became the subject of a massive interstate manhunt. Despite extensive searches involving specialist police units, he successfully avoided capture for approximately seven months.
His time on the run ended in March 2026, when police discovered Freeman hiding inside a shipping container on a remote property near Thologolong, in Victoria's northeast. A lengthy standoff followed before Freeman was shot dead by officers.
Since Freeman's death, investigators have focused on identifying anyone who may have assisted him during his months as a fugitive. Police believe that understanding his movements and the support he may have received is critical to ensuring all individuals connected to the case are held accountable.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about Freeman's whereabouts between August 2025 and March 2026 to come forward.
The latest raids represent a significant escalation in that investigation and suggest police are closing in on those they suspect may have played a role in helping one of Victoria's most wanted men evade justice.
