Detectives from Taskforce Hawk have today arrested five men and executed six search warrants as part of an investigation into secret commissions, fraud and drug trafficking.
With the assistance of the Cybercrime Squad, VIPER Taskforce and Mornington Peninsula and Latrobe Valley Crime Investigation Units, six search warrants were executed at an office on Elizabeth Street in the CBD, as well as residential addresses in Chirnside Park, Westbury, Gisborne, Powelltown and Somerville.
Five men were arrested, including:
- A 36-year-old from Chirnside Park
- A 46-year-old from Westbury
- A 27-year-old from Gisborne
- A 56-year-old from Powelltown
- A 37-year-old from Somerville.
The Chirnside Park man has been charged with possess Schedule 4 drug.
He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates' Court on 10 November.
The Westbury man was charged with failing to store a longarm firearm and failing to store ammunition as required by the Firearms Act 1996.
He was bailed to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on 11 January, 2027.
The remaining three were released pending further enquiries.
The investigation in relation to the alleged secret commissions remains ongoing.
Four CFMEU registered vehicles were seized, alongside 10 mobile phones, a Schedule 4 poison, a number of laptops, documents, iPads and a number of USB storage devices.
A .22 rifle and ammunition, both of which were not stored as per the requirements, were seized from the Westbury address.
The investigation relates to allegations of drug trafficking as well as secret commissions.
Under the Crimes Act 1958, a secret commission refers to corruptly giving, receiving or soliciting an undisclosed financial benefit, reward, payment or kickback.
Operation Hawk was established in July 2024 to specifically target criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry and transitioned to Taskforce Hawk in June 2025.
This was in response to a number of fresh allegations of serious and violent criminal behaviour.
Taskforce Hawk is focused on assessing new intelligence and evidence relating to allegations of criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry.
It also continues to proactively target organised crime associated with the sector, including a focus on any individuals employed within the construction industry who have known links to outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Police are also instigating approaches with relevant industry stakeholders to gather intelligence, as well as working closely with a range of law enforcement partners, regulators and government authorities.
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Superintendent Jamie Walker, Organised Crime Division:
"Criminal conduct, involving corruption, intimidation and violence within the construction industry is unacceptable.
"We will continue to target serious and organised crime entities and dismantle corrupt and criminal business activities in the construction industry.
"If you have any information - no matter how small you think it may be - please come forward and we will support and protect you."
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
