Five people have been arrested after police raided the Melbourne headquarters of the CFMEU as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in Victoria’s construction industry.
Detectives from Victoria Police’s Taskforce Hawk descended on the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union’s Elizabeth Street offices on Monday morning, with search warrants executed at six properties across Melbourne.
Police confirmed the operation was connected to an investigation into allegations involving “secret commissions”, with five people taken into custody for questioning.
“Five people have been taken into custody and are being interviewed by police,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Police have not yet revealed the identities of those arrested or detailed the specific allegations against them, with further information expected as the investigation continues.
Taskforce Hawk was established in 2024 to investigate alleged criminal activity within Victoria’s construction industry, including claims of organised crime and outlaw motorcycle gang involvement on major government infrastructure projects.
The CFMEU acknowledged the raid but said it was unable to provide further comment while the police investigation remained active.
“CFMEU has been made aware of a police operation this morning as part of Taskforce Hawk,” assistant administrator Matt McGowan said.
“As this is a live police matter, CFMEU can not comment further at this time.”
The dramatic raid comes as scrutiny of Victoria’s construction sector continues to intensify.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll recently announced former South Australian Supreme Court chief justice Christopher Kourakis would lead a royal commission into corruption and misconduct within the state’s construction industry.
The commission’s terms of reference include examining the conduct of the CFMEU, construction companies and labour hire firms, as well as the oversight of major infrastructure projects by government departments, agencies and executives.
Carroll said on Monday the royal commission would operate alongside the police investigation, with both examining concerns surrounding the industry.
The latest police action also follows renewed attention on former Victorian CFMEU boss John Setka, who was arrested earlier this month and charged with using a telecommunications device to menace and committing two indictable offences while on bail.
Monday’s raids mark another significant development in the widening examination of alleged criminality and corruption within Victoria’s multibillion-dollar construction industry.
Police said further details would be released as their investigation progresses.
Image: ABC News
