Spy or Nazi?

Sydney Morning Herald, April 1, 2012

by Frank Robson

Special Branch spy disguised as a Nazi supporter in late '60s Brisbane.....


Inside the murky past of Dan Van Blarcom (centre)


Recruited by Special Branch detective, Don Lane, in March 1968


Timeline:

November, 1967
Dan Van Blarcom arrives in Brisbane with his parents and younger sisters.

March 1968
He says he is approached at a protest by Special Branch detective Don Lane, who will pay him to hang out with a Nazi group and report on their activities. He joins the National Socialist Party of Australia to monitor one of its organisers, Eric Wenberg.

1970
A 19-year-old Van Blarcom is photographed by "The Canberra Times" wearing a swastika armband during a meeting at the ACT Legislative Assembly.

Early 1971
Van Blarcom returns to Brisbane and tells his handler that he wants to end his involvement with Special Branch.

1975
He joins a Brisbane anarchist group saying he is a ''committed fascist'' who's had a change of heart.

January 2004
Days before the Queensland poll, a journalist uncovers Van Blarcom's involvement with neo-Nazi groups. The Nationals dis-endorse him.


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