Controversial former union boss John Setka has been charged with seven counts of using a telecommunications device to menace, harass and offend.
The 61-year-old from Footscray was arrested by police at a Footscray residential police about 6.40am on Wednesday 12 November.
Taskforce Hawk Detectives subsequently interviewed and charged the man.
Police said his arrest is part of an investigation into allegedly threatening and harassing emails sent to a CMFEU (Construction Forestry and Maritime Employees Union) administrator.
He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 January.
Detectives seized a mobile phone and an iPad.
Investigators will allege the man sent a number of allegedly threatening, offensive and abusive emails to a CFMEU administrator following a Notice to Produce sent on 27 October and a follow up letter sent on 28 October.
Setka quit after 12 years as head of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime and Energy Union in Victoria in 2024 after a Nine investigation into criminal links within the construction industry.
The company’s reporting alleged major Victorian and NSW construction projects have been infiltrated by underworld figures and bikies acting as union delegates.
The construction and general division of the union, including all its state branches, were placed into administration in mid-2024 in response to allegations of serious misconduct, corruption and violence.
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.
Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said police would 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.
“We could encourage anyone that has any information on concerning behaviours witnessed in any construction industry workplace to come forward and speak to police. As always, it can be done anonymously and reports will be treated with the strictest of confidence,” he 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.”
