Special Operations Group (book)
| Company type | Memoir |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2023 |
| Founder | Christophe Glasl |
| Products | Book |
| Parent | Hachette Books |
Special Operations Group is a memoir authored by Christophe Glasl, who formerly served with the Victoria Police Special Operations Group (SOG). Released as Glasl's first book through Hachette, it garnered significant attention after being retracted amid controversies surrounding certain claims. In particular, Victoria Police disputed Glasl's statement that he was present during the Port Arthur massacre, leading to the publisher withdrawing the title from circulation.
Synopsis
The memoir offers an account of Glasl's tenure within the SOG, a specialized unit responsible for executing high-risk missions. Having joined in 1994, he initially perceived the team as an inseparable brotherhood. Nevertheless, the narrative reveals internal challenges including bullying, substance misuse, and acts of betrayal that compromised the unit's solidarity.
Glasl describes his participation in critical events such as fatal shootings, a triple homicide investigation, a $100 million narcotics operation, and the Port Arthur massacre. The book also delves into the intense pressures of the role alongside Glasl's personal battles with addiction.
Withdrawal
Following scrutiny from Victoria Police regarding the memoir's veracity—especially concerning Glasl's alleged involvement in the response to the Port Arthur massacre—the publisher decided to remove the book from sale. Authorities confirmed that Glasl was neither deployed with the SOG nor present in Tasmania at that time.
Hachette cited concerns about factual inaccuracies and suspended distribution while conducting a thorough review.