Victorian police have charged two men and seized drugs, firearms and vehicles linked to the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) as detectives investigate alleged corruption within the building industry. The operation, conducted on Monday by Taskforce Hawk, resulted in five arrests across six search locations, including the union's Melbourne headquarters on Elizabeth Street.
Detectives from Taskforce Hawk arrested five individuals and executed search warrants at six properties while investigating allegations of secret commissions, fraud and drug trafficking. According to reports, some of those detained were CFMEU organisers, though no arrests were made at union headquarters itself and administrators confirmed that none of the union's officials had been charged.
The police operation resulted in the seizure of four CFMEU-registered vehicles, ten mobile phones, a Schedule 4 poison, a .22 rifle with ammunition, laptops, documents, iPads and multiple USB storage devices. A 36-year-old resident of Chirnside Park was charged with possessing a Schedule 4 drug and released on bail to appear at Ringwood magistrates court on 10 November. A 46-year-old from Westbury faced charges relating to the improper storage of a longarm firearm and ammunition contrary to the Firearms Act 1996, with bail set for appearance at Latrobe Valley magistrates court on 11 January. The remaining three men were released pending further enquiries.
What are secret commissions?
Police described a secret commission as the corrupt giving, receiving or soliciting of an undisclosed financial benefit, reward, payment or kickback.
The investigation in relation to the alleged secret commissions remains ongoing,police stated, indicating that the probe extends beyond the two men charged.
What was the scope of the police operation?
Detectives were seen leaving the Elizabeth Street office just before noon after arriving around 9.30am. Investigators were examining whether CFMEU organisers disclosed information about Tyrone "Little Ty" Bell, the ex-national president of the Mongols bikie gang, or coordinated union activity with him for his consultancy business. The taskforce operation was linked to these allegations involving the former gang leader.
Taskforce Hawk was established in July 2024 to target criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry and was expanded the following year in response to fresh allegations of serious and violent criminal conduct.
Taskforce Hawk is focused on assessing new intelligence and evidence relating to allegations of criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry,police said.
It also continues to proactively target organised crime associated with the sector, including a focus on any individuals employed within the construction industry who have known links to outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Police are also instigating approaches with relevant industry stakeholders to gather intelligence, as well as working closely with a range of law enforcement partners, regulators and government authorities.
What did police leadership say?
Detective Acting Superintendent Jamie Walker from the organised crime division urged anyone with information to come forward.
Criminal conduct, involving corruption, intimidation and violence within the construction industry is unacceptable,he said.
We will continue to target serious and organised crime entities and dismantle corrupt and criminal business activities in the construction industry.
How has the union responded?
The CFMEU administrator stated that the union was cooperating with police and could not comment further because the matter remained active.
Criminals and bad actors in construction remain a major threat to the workers which is why we need greater regulation and scrutiny across the sector,CFMEU administrator Michael Crosby said.
This administration has undertaken unprecedented reform and anyone associated with criminal elements will have absolutely no place in this union's future.
What happens next?
The wider state inquiry into the construction sector was due to examine corruption, criminal conduct and serious misconduct on major Victorian projects. The police matter remained active, with those detained being interviewed and further enquiries continuing. The scandal contributed to the resignation of former Premier Jacinta Allan, who left her post last month. New Premier Ben Carroll announced a royal commission into the construction sector last week.
Key Facts:
- Five men arrested across six search locations including CFMEU's Elizabeth Street headquarters on 24 August 2026
- Two men charged: a 36-year-old with drug possession and a 46-year-old with firearm storage offences
- Police seized four union vehicles, firearms, drugs, mobile phones and electronic devices
- Investigation focuses on alleged secret commissions and links between union organisers and organised crime figures
- Taskforce Hawk expanded in 2025 to pursue criminal conduct in the construction industry
