A Bendigo property is being linked to a multi-million dollar statewide cannabis syndicate.
Victoria Police made the revelation on Tuesday, July 21st after arresting the apparent ringleader of the scheme in Keysborough, saying the property was one of 14 seized by Criminal Proceeds Squad detectives in August last year.
Others were located in the greater Melbourne area and Gippsland’s Latrobe Valley.
Investigators allege the majority of these properties had been used to cultivate cannabis over “long periods of time” and generating “many millions of dollars” in profit.
Police first became aware of the matter in 2023 after locating a number of cannabis grow-houses in Gippsland.
This led to the arrest of a 40-year-old Keysborough man who officers believe “had significant involvement” in the syndicate.
The investigation is now turning to those who have facilitated or assisted with their criminal activities including, but not limited to, electricians, plumbers, real estate agents, cleaners and accountants.
“If you let someone use your house to grow cannabis, you will be targeted,” Detective Superintendent Geri Porter said.
“If you undertake any kind of tradesperson activities to keep these properties running, you will be targeted.
“If you’re involved in the moving of money or production of things such as false paperwork, you will be targeted.
“We have offending taking place at all levels and we will do everything we can to hold every single person to account.
“Wilful blindness to this offending and the incredible harm it wreaks on our community is absolutely no excuse.”
Anyone who can assist police with their inquiries should contact Crime Stoppers.
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