World News
Australian police charge two men and seize assets linked to CFMEU in corruption probe
Detectives with Taskforce Hawk searched six properties, including union headquarters, as part of an investigation into alleged fraud and drug trafficking in the construction industry.
The short version
- Victorian police searched six properties, including the headquarters of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), as part of a corruption and drug trafficking inquiry.
- Two men were charged with drug and firearms offenses and granted bail, while three others were released pending further inquiries.
- Police seized union-registered vehicles, electronic devices, ammunition, and a firearm during the raids.
- CFMEU administrators stated no union officials were charged and confirmed the organization is cooperating with authorities.
Key facts
- Detectives from Taskforce Hawk arrested five men and searched six locations on Monday, targeting alleged secret commissions, fraud, and drug trafficking.[The Guardian]
- A 36-year-old man was charged with drug possession, and a 46-year-old man was charged with improper storage of a firearm and ammunition.[The Guardian]
- Authorities seized four vehicles registered to the CFMEU, ten mobile phones, storage devices, a .22 rifle, ammunition, and a Schedule 4 poison.[The Guardian]
- No arrests were made directly at the CFMEU Victorian headquarters, and no union officials were charged.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The full extent of the financial corruption and secret commissions remains under investigation by police.[The Guardian]