Global articles on espionage, spying, bugs, and other interesting topics.

Police minister silent on bugging claims

Chief Commissioner not keen to answer questions about OPI surveillance targeting Sir Ken Jones

ffice of Victorian Deputy Premier Peter Ryan is refusing to comment on reports an adviser to the minister has been under surveillance by the police watchdog.

A ministerial adviser to Mr Ryan has been named in reports in The Age and Herald Sun newspapers as a target of surveillance by the Office of Police Integrity (OPI).

Mr Ryan, also Police Minister, is on compassionate leave from parliament and was unable to be contacted today, but his spokeswoman said the OPI operated without influence by politicians.

“Matters to do with the OPI are strictly matters for the OPI,” she said.

“They have the powers they have, they do as they do, we are outside of that process,” the spokeswoman said.

The OPI yesterday admitted they had Sir Ken Jones, one of Victoria’s most senior policeman, under surveillance following complaints.

A media report had earlier revealed the surveillance was underway, and Sir Ken’s wife and supporters had also been targeted.

Sir Ken had a rocky relationship with the police Chief Commissioner, Simon Overland.

Mr Overland forced Sir Ken to go on leave three months early after Sir Ken announced his resignation in May.

Victoria’s Police Association has said Mr Overland used his friendship with OPI’s deputy director, Paul Jevtovic, to influence the OPI to commence the investigation.

It is thought the ministerial adviser allegedly bugged by the OPI was a supporter of Sir Ken.