Detectives from Taskforce Hawk have today arrested three men as part of an investigation into blackmail.
With the assistance of members from Taskforce Echo, the VIPER Taskforce and Organised Crime Division detectives, investigators executed search warrants in Eltham, Watsonia and Mernda.
A 32-year-old Eltham man, who was previously a senior CFMEU official and a current patched member of the Bandidos OMCG, was arrested at an Eltham property.
A 32-year-old Watsonia man, also a current patched member of the Bandidos and a 55-year-old Mernda man were also arrested in Watsonia and Mernda.
The trio remain in police custody.
The investigation relates to allegations of blackmail committed at a property in Brooklyn on 19 January 2026, when a demand was made for the victim to pay $663,000.
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 from Crime Command Commander Paul O'Halloran:
"Criminal conduct, involving corruption, intimidation and violence within the construction industry is unacceptable.
"We will be unrelenting by continuing to target serious and organised crime entities and dismantle corrupt and criminal business activities in the construction industry.
"If you are a victim of threats, extortion or blackmail contact us, 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
