Former CFMEU boss John Setka has been arrested and charged over allegedly threatening and harassing emails sent to a union administrator.
Victoria Police and AFP officers arrested the high-profile former union figure at his home in Footscray around 6.40am today.
He has been interviewed and charged with seven counts of using a device to menace, harass and offend.
Former CFMEU boss John Setka was arrested by Victoria police and AFP officers at his home in Footscray early this morning. (Nine)
Detectives seized a mobile phone and an iPad.
Police will allege Setka sent several allegedly threatening, offensive and abusive emails to a CFMEU administrator following a notice to produce document sent on October 27 and a follow-up letter sent on October 28.
Setka has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 30.
The charges were laid following an investigation by Taskforce Hawk, which was set up in July 2024 to probe alleged criminal behaviour within the construction industry.
Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien from Victoria Police’s Crime Command urged people with information on concerning behaviours within the construction industry to contact police.
CFMEU’s former Victorian secretary John Setka has been charged by police. (Nine)
“As always, it can be done anonymously and reports will be treated with the strictest of confidence,” O’Brien said.
“I also want to be clear that any piece of information provided to police will be thoroughly investigated and we will continue to work closely with any other relevant agency as required.
“We will not tolerate behaviour that aims to intimidate and harass people who simply want to be able to go to work and perform their job to the best of their ability.”
