Melbourne construction identity Mick Gatto has announced he will appear on Karl Stefanovic's podcast to address allegations of financial crimes. Gatto, currently in Bali, stated his intention to clear his name, describing the claims as "false allegations and innuendos and nonsense."
Recent months have seen Gatto linked to investigations into alleged corruption and financial crimes within Victoria's construction industry, particularly concerning the state's "Big Build" infrastructure projects and the CFMEU.
In a video published by the Herald Sun, Gatto, appearing poolside, said he had left the country to escape what he termed "false allegations." He asserted that claims of corruption and the necessity of his involvement in the "Big Build" projects are untrue and that he can "prove it 100 per cent."
"Can't wait to get on The Karl Stefanovic Podcast and have my say and tell the truth," Gatto stated, adding that the interview would leave listeners "pleased and enlightened that all this stuff they go on about is not true."
This potential interview follows a series of high-profile guests on Stefanovic's podcast. Stefanovic himself faced scrutiny after an interview with British far-right commentator Tommy Robinson led to his departure from Channel Nine.
Prior to his departure for Bali, Gatto was arrested on June 3. Detectives from Victoria Police's Taskforce Hawk executed a search warrant at his Mount Martha home as part of an investigation into alleged financial offenses. Gatto and his wife, Cheryl, were taken into custody and questioned. Authorities reportedly seized financial documents, electronic devices, and a knife during the raid. Gatto later downplayed the knife, calling it a "toothpick."
He was released without charge the same day, dismissing the allegations as "a load of crap" and sarcastically attributing the police operation to a "speeding fine." His lawyer, Martin Amad, confirmed no charges had been laid and stated the matter was not related to corruption in the building industry.