An anonymous letter writer is being sought by federal and NSW police over a 10-year hate mail campaign against public figures.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) say the public’s help is needed to help identify the person who wrote more than 100 letters in 10 years to parliamentarians, religious organisations and community leaders.
The AFP say the letters were sent from 2015-26 and some constitute harassing or threatening behaviour; they have undergone forensic examination.
NSW Police detectives are investigating as part of Strike Force Yewrangara while an AFP team is investigating specific letters sent to federal parliamentarians and community groups.
As part of their ongoing inquiries, investigators released images showing examples of the distinctive handwriting featured in the anonymous letters.
ANONYMOUS AUTHOR SOUGHT
The author has also referred to themself as ‘Scorpio’ or ‘Bullit’ and included newspaper clippings, including snips of headlines and images of prominent people.
The federal police says that much of the writing focuses on matters of national affairs and strong community interest.
AFP Superintendent Nathan Robertson said the priority for them is to prevent an escalation in behaviour that could pose a danger to the broader community.
“We have very real concerns about the content of these letters, and people in public life deserve to go about their jobs or careers without being subject to harassment or threats,” he says.
“Our investigations are into allegations of criminal behaviour but we also have concerns about whether the person responsible for them has access to appropriate health and support services.”
NSW Police Force Acting Superintendent John Walke said police are closing in on the anonymous offender but need the community’s help.
“We believe the offender is of Caucasian appearance and in his 60s so we are appealing to the community if they recognise any of the symbols or names in the letter excerpts and can relate them to someone of that profile to please let police know,” Acting Superintendent Walke said.
“We are determined to bring this person to account because their behaviour is certainly offensive and at times threatening, and people deserve to be able to go about their work without being subjected to threats.”
Anyone who recognises the writing or who has information which may help investigators should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, online via the Crime Stoppers website or report to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
MORE AFP NEWS: Threats against federal MPs rising
