Former CFMEU boss John Setka has been arrested and charged as part of a wide-ranging police investigation into alleged threats and harassment linked to the troubled construction union.
Detectives from Victoria Police’s Taskforce Hawk, which is examining criminal conduct within the construction industry, executed a search warrant at Setka’s Footscray home at 6.40am on Wednesday. The 61-year-old was taken into custody and later charged with seven counts of using a telecommunications device to menace, harass, and offend.
Police allege Setka sent a series of threatening and abusive emails to a CFMEU administrator after being issued a Notice to Produce on October 27 and a follow-up letter the next day. Officers seized a phone and iPad during the raid.
In a statement, Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said Victoria Police would not tolerate attempts to intimidate or threaten union officials or workers.
“Taskforce Hawk will investigate any and all criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry — whether that involves extortion, arson, serious violence, or harassment,” O’Brien said. “We encourage anyone with information about such conduct to come forward. Reports can be made anonymously and will be treated with confidence.”
Setka, who left the CFMEU last year amid mounting allegations of corruption and links to underworld figures and outlaw motorcycle gangs, has been bailed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 30.
His arrest comes just days after another senior union figure, Steven Deer, was charged with 21 offences related to fraudulent invoicing. Deer, who formerly managed the CFMEU’s Port Melbourne training site, was arrested at Ferntree Gully and charged with making and using false documents and obtaining property by deception. He was summarily dismissed from his position a month ago.
The CFMEU remains under administration as authorities continue to investigate serious allegations of financial misconduct and organised crime influence within the powerful construction union.
