In 2011, undercover police fabricated a story to lure one of Australia’s most notorious predators, Brett Cowan, into a confession.
Australian Police have used a controversial tactic known as the ‘Mr Big’ technique to elicit confessions from some of the country’s worst killers. One of the most famous cases was child murderer, Brett Peter Cowan.
Hear chilling details of this covert operation on Crime Insiders | Judgements:
Covert police convinced Brett Cowan he was being recruited into a lucrative criminal gang – but first, he needed to prove his trustworthiness.
Police told Cowan he could prove his loyalty to the gang by confessing his past crimes.
Cowan admitted to a child abduction and murder that rocked Australia. But the undercover operation that led to his confession was legally controversial.
Some people questioned whether the confession was reliable given the way it was acquired, but the court ruled it was admissible.
A recording of covert police and Brett Cowan shows his confession:
“You’ve built up a good relationship with some of the boys and they speak very highly of you,” An undercover police officer said.
“Yep. I appreciate that,” Cowan replied.
“So what do I need to fix?” The officer asked.
“Yeah ok. You know… I did it.”
The court said Cowan voluntarily confessed, believing he was safe to admit to his crimes. His confession also contained certain details that only the killer would know.
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