The Department for Correctional Services has launched an investigation after a piece of art allegedly created by convicted Snowtown serial killer John Bunting was listed for sale on eBay.
The artwork features a skull-like drawing on a Salvation Army Christmas card and is purportedly signed ‘J Bunting’, with a listing price of $5,000.
The listing claims it was created inside Yatala Labour Prison, where Bunting is serving 11 life sentences without parole for his role in the Snowtown murders.
A spokeswoman for the Department told News Corp papers the matter has been formally reported to eBay, with a request for the listing’s removal “out of respect for Bunting’s victims and their families”.
She confirmed the department is “closely examining the item to assess its origins and authenticity”, and warned that action will be taken if any wrongdoing is uncovered.
Under South Australian law, it is illegal to profit from criminal activity. The Criminal Assets Confiscation Act allows authorities to seize any proceeds derived from crime, including items sold or marketed as having criminal associations.
The listing was removed on Monday morning.
