Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are today announcing a $1 million reward for the murder of Gianni "John" Furlan, who was murdered in Coburg North over two decades ago.
The 48-year-old was driving his white Subaru Liberty sedan north along Lorensen Avenue, near Merlynston Railway Station, when it exploded on Monday, 3 August 1998.
John was alone in the vehicle and was driving his usual route from his home address on Sydney Road to his auto wrecking business on Sages Road.
As he always did, he stopped at the Merlynston News Agency for a coffee and the newspaper on the way.
At approximately 8.35am, while still in motion, a bomb in John's car detonated.
Commercial explosives had been attached to the car.
The force of the explosion killed John instantly, catapulting his vehicle 15 metres down the road, shattering nearby shop windows and spraying debris over 300 metres away.
The explosion was heard up to five kilometres away.
Numerous residents on Lorensen Avenue had their property and vehicles damaged that morning, but miraculously, nobody else was physically injured.
A few days prior to his death, John had travelled to Hobart to visit a friend and stayed for four days, leaving his Subaru Liberty parked behind a high timber fence at his home address.
Investigators believe his car was fitted with an explosive device during this time.
Witnesses reported seeing two suspect vehicles in the days before John's death.
On 31 August, 2017, a Coronial Inquisition determined that John Furlan died from a percussive injury (blast damage).
Despite an extensive investigation by members of the Arson and Explosives Squad and a number of public appeals for information over the past 27 years, nobody has ever been charged with John's death.
A $100,000 reward for information was previously offered in 2000.
Victoria Police is today announcing a $1M reward for information in relation to those responsible for John's death.
A reward of up to $1M will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of John Furlan.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Police are hoping the increased reward will encourage someone to come forward with information.
Anyone with information about the murder of John Furlan is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Arson & Explosives Squad:
"It has been almost 30 years since John's death, but I would like to strongly reinforce that this is both an active investigation, and one that we believe is solvable.
"We always say that people's circumstances can change over the years and someone who may not have wanted to provide information to police previously may now feel ready to do so.
"John's death was shocking, brutal and a horrendous act of violence that put the lives of many innocent civilians going about their daily life at risk.
"I hope whoever is responsible for John's death thinks about it every day. I hope it weighs heavily on their mind along with the expectation that one day, police are going to catch up with them.
"We know people who commit or are part of horrific crimes such as these will often disclose their actions to someone.
"For that reason, detectives are putting a $1 million dollar reward on the table for information that allows us to identify, arrest and convict those responsible for his murder.
"We have every reason to believe someone out there today knows what happened to John and who is responsible."
