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John Silvester

John Silvester

Brisbane Times

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How dodgy autographs forged a sports-mad cop’s unlikely meeting with The Don

John Silvester lifts the lid on Australia’s criminal underworld in Naked City , an exclusive newsletter for subscribers sent every Thursday....

12.04.2024 10

The Age

John Silvester

In the game of defamation poker, Lehrmann has gone all in – and we’ve already seen his hand

A defamation case is like a giant poker game where you spend a fortune to see the other guy’s cards. The trouble is, the deck is stacked with Jokers...

11.04.2024 9

The Age

John Silvester

‘When we make a mistake someone can die’: Inside the world of police crisis negotiators

Most cops love the thrill of the chase that ends with a suspect in the back of a divvy van. Sergeant Victor Yanes is a bit different as he admits he...

28.03.2024 10

The Age

John Silvester

Sam Kerr is no crook, so why is she being treated as one?

There is little doubt Matildas captain Sam Kerr made a goose of herself when she argued the toss with a London cop after throwing up in a cab during a...

22.03.2024 20

The Age

John Silvester

Why the Walsh Street probe was doomed from the start

The case was doomed from the start. What should have been the high watermark of investigations ended in recriminations, acquittals and no justice for...

08.03.2024 20

The Age

John Silvester

When bars are no barrier: Beware a hard crook with good software

John Silvester lifts the lid on Australia’s criminal underworld in Naked City , an exclusive newsletter for subscribers sent every Thursday....

09.02.2024 3

The Age

John Silvester

On the run, always in danger: Life with a whistleblower

Many people think their life has been so unique, it would make a great book. Most are kidding themselves. Then there is “Cate”, a retired...

08.02.2024 9

The Age

John Silvester

Tony Mokbel was a major drug trafficker. But was it a fair cop?

Six prime ministers and 4235 days ago, Tony Mokbel stood in the dock of the Supreme Court to be sentenced after pleading guilty to drug trafficking in...

06.02.2024 10

The Age

John Silvester

Crime, capture, release. What we’re doing isn’t working

John Silvester lifts the lid on Australia’s criminal underworld in Naked City , an exclusive newsletter for subscribers sent every Thursday....

02.02.2024 8

The Age

John Silvester

Roger Rogerson – the crooked cop who could have been a great detective

Roger Rogerson, who has died aged 83, was a corrupt old dinosaur who didn’t see the ice age coming. Brave, tough, stubborn and bent as a boomerang,...

22.01.2024 20

The Age

John Silvester

I’ve written more than 5 million words on crime. But one story taught me good can trump evil

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. At a rough estimate, I have written more than 5 million words on crime in the past 45...

26.12.2023 20

The Age

John Silvester

Hands up if you know which is the state’s most powerful union?

The most powerful union in the state doesn’t fly flags from cranes, donate to political parties or make statements on climate change. The most...

08.12.2023 8

The Age

John Silvester

Onions or bust: The day I was Sly, but not sly enough

John Silvester lifts the lid on Australia’s criminal underworld in Naked City , an exclusive newsletter for subscribers sent every Thursday....

08.12.2023 20

The Age

John Silvester

Keeping Denyer in prison is not about punishing him, but protecting us

By legislating to stop serial killer Paul Charles Denyer from applying for parole, the Victorian state government has effectively reinstated the...

01.11.2023 7

The Age

John Silvester

Gavin ‘Capable’ Preston was capable of anything – and that’s why he’s dead

Wanted: Hitman. Must not be allergic to woollen balaclavas or gunshot residue. Must be capable of stealing a car and running fast while carrying a...

15.09.2023 10

The Age

John Silvester

In the underworld, losing the numbers game can be fatal

Major gangsters are like politicians. They need more friends than enemies if they are to stay in power. But while politicians who get the balance...

10.09.2023 8

The Age

John Silvester

Judy Moran: A fading underworld matriarch ... or maybe just a myth

Underworld author-turned-killer-turned-inmate Judy Moran is two-thirds of the way through her murder sentence but at 78, with failing health, she is...

08.09.2023 10

The Age

John Silvester

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