"A Quest for a Violent 'Reichsbürger':" Investigators Pursue a Notorious Individual Linked to Murder

The town of Porepunkah, nestled at the foot of the Australian Alps, has been in a state of emergency since a shooting a week ago that claimed the lives of several police officers. The suspect, Desmond Filby, alias Freeman, a self-proclaimed "sovereign citizen" who believes he is not subject to state laws, is currently on the run and believed to be hiding in the wilderness.

The search for Filby is taking place in a remote, forested mountainous area in Victoria, known for its densely forested mountain ranges, caves, and abandoned mines. These features could provide ample hiding places for Filby, especially during the wintery weather with heavy snowfall.

More than 450 officers from several states are on continuous duty in the area, with police helicopters and drones also involved in the search. Victoria's Minister for Crime Prevention, Anthony Carbines, has promised that everything is being thrown at the search effort.

Filby, who is also known as a "Reichsbürger"-type sovereign citizen, has a well-documented hatred for the authorities. Media reports and court documents describe him as a convicted gun enthusiast who argues against the rule of law using pseudo-legal arguments. He has been known to insult police officers as "the new Gestapo" and "Nazi henchmen."

The domestic security agency has expressed concern that Filby's radical beliefs and hatred for the authorities may be contributing to the growing strength of far-right groups in Australia. The "Sovereign Citizens" movement, which Filby is associated with, is a growing threat in Australia, according to the agency.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned that Filby is dangerous and authorities want him caught. He has also expressed concern over numerous expressions of sympathy for Filby on social media. The Prime Minister has stated that the movement's radical conspiracy theories make it a dangerous group.

Filby's wife, Amalia, has distanced herself from conspiracy theories and has expressed condolences to the family of the slain officer. She has also pleaded with Filby to turn himself in. Filby, who has three children with Amalia, is believed to be hiding near an isolated estate in Victoria.

Police Chief Mike Bush described Filby as a "very dangerous" man who had "cold-bloodedly murdered" the officers. The area where Filby is believed to be hiding is under a strict advisory. Residents are advised to stay home and be extremely cautious, and drivers are advised to avoid picking up anyone or driving through the area.

The fatal shots were fired a week ago at a property near the town of Porepunkah, about 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne. Filby, who is heavily armed and violent, shot and killed several police officers in the south of Australia before fleeing into the wilderness.

The manhunt for Desmond Filby continues, with authorities urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.

"A Quest for a Violent 'Reichsbürger':" Investigators Pursue a Notorious Individual Linked to Murder