Over 70 court cases under review in Victoria following police staff investigation

Victoria Police is currently conducting a broad review of more than 70 active criminal cases after concerns were raised about the handling of forensic evidence by a member of Victoria Police. The officer was arrested on August 5, 2025, after being suspended from duty pending an investigation by the Professional Standards Command regarding allegations of misconduct. Specific allegations have not been released, but preliminary inquiries have indicated that forensic evidence associated with cases under review may have been compromised. 

To date, police have reviewed 77 cases, with 52 reviews completed. Of the cases reviewed to date, 46 cases will require the Cybercrime Squad to re-extract and re-analyze digital evidence and/or forensic evidence. This is complex, specialized work to undertake. Police are also working closely with prosecutors in the state and federal areas to assess wider legal implications associated with the cases.

The subject officer was a forensic officer employed in Bendigo at a Multidisciplinary Centre Laboratory. The officer was called to give evidence relating to the collection, packaging, and preservation of digital evidence and potential evidence from serious offences, including child abuse. The Victoria Police has also commenced an internal audit of all cases since June 2016, which may involve more than 600 cases. Defense lawyers have been made aware of this audit, which is noted to be in the interest of transparency and fairness in the justice process.

The audit and investigation into the officer’s actions underline the vital importance of forensic integrity in ensuring public confidence in the criminal justice system. The overall implications of the officer’s behavior are still being considered by authorities to ensure every aspect of the case is dealt with equitably.