The Car Bomb & The Underworld War

The brutal car bombing that killed 48-year-old businessman John Furlan in 1998 remains one of Australia's most baffling unsolved murders.

On 3 August 1998, Furlan died in an explosion caused by a bomb planted under his car on a suburban street in Coburg, Melbourne. Despite numerous investigations and extensive efforts by Victoria Police, the motive for his murder has never been determined.

In a new investigation on The Hunters airing 8.40pm Sunday, 2 March on Seven and 7plus, investigative journalist Adam Shand and former detective Steve Van Aperen aim to uncover new leads that could solve this tragic crime. The investigation features fresh interviews and new insights into the evidence.

With full cooperation from Victoria Police and access to past and present police investigators, Adam and Steve examine key twists, including a bomb-maker's unexpected confession and the mysterious death of a key suspect.

The investigation also explores Furlan's life and connections, examining whether his murder was part of a larger criminal scheme.

This exclusive investigation features expert insights from former Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby; retired Victoria Police Detective Senior Sergeant Jeff Maher; retired Victoria Police Detective Tina Kemp; retired NSW Police Detective Greg Kelly; journalist Tanya Giles; criminal profiler and forensic psychologist Dr. Debra Bennett; Victoria Police Detective Sergeant Joseph Strachan; and some of Furlan's closest friends and other connections.

Victoria Police is again urging the public to come forward with any information that could help solve the case.

"I think this case is still solvable," says Jeff Maher. "We ask people who've got any information whatsoever to come forward and speak to us or contact Crime Stoppers because the public needs answers."

Could Furlan's death have sparked deadly underworld wars in Melbourne, or was it a targeted attack with a personal motive?