Organised Crime Squad detectives arrested a man at Wagga Wagga today (Tuesday 12 May 2015) in relation to the shooting murder of another man in the Illawarra region last year.
The body of John Gasovski, 48, was located in the Budderoo National Park at Jamberoo by a park ranger on Sunday 15 June 2014. He died after suffering a single shot gun wound to the head.
Mr Gasovski, a father of four, had been reported missing by his wife three days earlier. He had failed to return to his Arncliffe home after telling her he was taking a business trip to Canberra.
Initial inquiries were conducted by the Homicide Squad, but the investigation was referred to the Organised Crime Squad’s Strike Force Brinkley after the murder was linked to an ongoing investigation into commercial drug manufacture and supply.
Four people remain before the courts on drug offences as a result of that investigation.
Extensive inquiries have been conducted into Mr Gasovski’s murder by Organised Crime Squad detectives assisted by the NSW Crime Commission.
Police will allege Mr Gasovski had been involved in the purchase of equipment used to manufacture prohibited drugs prior to his death, and had planned to take part in the transport of a commercial quantity of cannabis from Canberra to Sydney.
About 4.30am today, Organised Crime Squad detectives were assisted by Wagga Wagga Police to arrest a 46-year-old man during a car stop in Wagga Wagga.
The man was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with murder.
He was refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 13 May 2015).
Commander of the Organised Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Scott Cook, said organised crime-related homicides were often the most challenging type of murder to solve due to reluctance from some people to provide information to police.
“I would like to thank all the police involved in today’s operation for their dedication and hard work to date,” Det Supt Cook said.
“Police cannot achieve these outcomes without the assistance of the community; I would like to congratulate those in our community who came forward to assist their police. Your help was invaluable.”
Det Supt Cook said this incident was an unfortunate reminder of the risks involved in organised crime.
“Becoming involved with organised crime groups and networks is very dangerous and can often have serious consequences, not only for the individual, but their family and the wider community as well,” Det Supt Cook said.