One of Victoria’s most experienced and commended police detectives, Charlie Bezzina, has been appointed as Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV)’s Senior Integrity Advisor.

Announcing the appointment, GRV CEO Alan Clayton said Mr Bezzina would bring an unrivalled mix of skills and experience to the new position, based in GRV’s Integrity, Racing & Welfare Department.

Mr Bezzina will manage and advise on a range of regulatory and investigative initiatives, including developing new case management and intelligence capabilities for GRV.

Mr Bezzina joined the Victoria Police Force in 1972 and worked in the Criminal investigation Branch, the Bureau of Internal Investigations and the Drug Squad before joining the Homicide Squad in 1989 and then heading up an Armed Robbery Task Force.

As one of Victoria’s leading criminal investigators for 25 years, Mr Bezzina led teams and spearheaded operations dealing with many complex and high profile cases.

Following his retirement from Victoria Police in 2009, Mr Bezzina has worked as a private investigator, media commentator and corporate speaker and was ream Security Liaison Officer for the Australian Cricket Team during the 2015 World Cup.

 The Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula MP, welcomed the announcement saying “The Andrews Labor Government congratulates GRV for appointing someone as highly regarded as Mr Bezzina to such an important integrity role within the industry.”

 Mr Clayton said Mr Bezzina’s appointment highlighted GRV’s commitment to driving major cultural change and reform in Victoria’s greyhound racing industry.

 “GRV is significantly expanding its staff and resources to ensure that animal welfare and integrity are at the heart of this reform process,” Mr Clayton said.

 “As our new Senior Integrity Advisor, Mr Bezzina will play a critical role in delivering a sustainable future for the industry as a responsible, accountable and trusted racing code that always puts the greyhounds first.”