Victoria Police arrested five individuals during a raid on the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) headquarters in Melbourne on Monday as part of an investigation into alleged construction industry corruption. The arrests were made as part of an investigation into suspected secret commissions.
Detectives executed search warrants at six addresses, with one of the targeted locations being the union's Elizabeth Street office. A police spokesperson confirmed that five people were taken into custody and were being interviewed by authorities. The individuals arrested are believed to be union organizers.
Matt McGowan, assistant administrator for the CFMEU, acknowledged that the union's headquarters had been raided by police as part of what he described as "Taskforce Hawk." He stated that the CFMEU could not comment further on the matter as it is an active police investigation.
Police indicated that they would provide additional information later on Monday.