Two Men Charged in Victoria Construction Corruption Investigation

Victoria Police have charged two men in an expanding investigation into alleged corruption in the construction industry, including secret commissions and suspected fraud worth more than A$424,000.

Taskforce Hawk detectives, assisted by the anti-organised crime VIPER Taskforce, executed warrants at homes in Wandin East and Preston shortly after 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday. A 45-year-old Wandin East man faces charges of obtaining a financial advantage by deception, making a false document, and using a false document. Police allege he defrauded more than A$424,000.

Police define a secret commission as “corruptly giving, receiving or soliciting an undisclosed financial benefit, reward, payment or kickback”. The Wandin East man also faced a Firearm Prohibition Order and allegedly failed to notify authorities of an address change within 24 hours. He was released on bail and is due before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 3.

A 38-year-old Preston man was charged with making a false document. He was also bailed, with a hearing listed at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on December 4.

The arrests follow raids on six properties across Melbourne the previous week, including the Victorian branch of the CFMEU headquarters. Five men were arrested in that operation. Police also charged a 36-year-old Chirnside Park man with drug offences and a 46-year-old Westbury man with firearm offences.

Taskforce Hawk began operating in June 2024 to investigate criminal conduct in Victoria’s construction sector, including the alleged infiltration of major government infrastructure projects by outlaw motorcycle gangs. Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced a royal commission into corruption in the sector.

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corruptly giving, receiving or soliciting an undisclosed financial benefit, reward, payment or kickback