CFMEU official arrested over alleged fraud

A CFMEU official has been arrested and charged with fraud after an investigation into allegedly falsified documents.

Police said the 34-year-old man was arrested at his home in Officer, in Melbourne’s outer south-east, shortly after 8.45am on Wednesday. He was then charged with eight counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception.

A CFMEU official has been charged with deception crimes. Credit: Rebecca Hallas

The man was bailed to appear in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court in May.

The arrest was part of investigations by Taskforce Hawk, which was formed last year in response to a number of allegations of serious and violent criminal behaviour by CFMEU officials and associates.

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“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.”

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

The arrest comes a week after police revealed another man had been arrested after allegedly threatening Age journalist Nick McKenzie on Christmas Eve.

It is not suggested the two arrested men are linked to each other.

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