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As someone who occasionally deals with the AFP in a professional capacity I'm very suspicious about the authenticity of this email. First, the AFP does not have the jurisdiction, resources or even the interest to enforce Victorian criminal law, their jurisdiction is Federal criminal law. Why would they be sending out emails dealing with a possible violation of Victorian weapons laws let alone taking it on themselves to see to the destruction of the items?
Second, the AFP never sends official correspondence by email, let alone a formal warning before prosecution, its always on properly letterheaded mail. If they have information sufficient to prosecute you then they would already know your name and real address.
Third, the framing of the letter, the choice of language, just doesn't ring true to me. I've seen real letters from the AFP and this is too casual in its use of language and is missing the usual AFP-jargon and terms (eg they never refer to themselves simply as "Police").
I wouldn't reply to this email or ring the number supplied, instead I would ring the switchboard at the AFP office in Melbourne (9607 7777) and ask for the officer named in the email. If it is a fake they may be interested to know someone is impersonating an AFP officer - which IS an offence within their jurisdiction.
regards
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