Former CFMEU boss John Setka arrested and charged by detectives investigating industry corruption
Former CFMEU boss John Setka has been arrested and charged over allegations he sent threatening and harassing emails to a key union administrator, with devices seized from his home set to be analysed by detectives.
Devices seized during a raid at former union heavyweight John Setka’s home will be analysed by detectives probing the embattled CFMEU.
Setka was arrested at his Footscray home on Wednesday morning before he was charged over allegations he sent threatening and harassing emails to a key union administrator.
The ex-CFMEU boss was charged with seven counts of using a telecommunications device to menace, harass and offend.
The Herald Sun confirmed the charges relate to emails sent to Mark Irving, KC, the government-appointed administrator tasked with leading the investigation into the CFMEU.
“Detectives from Taskforce Hawk (have) charged a man as part of an investigation into allegedly threatening and harassing emails sent to a CFMEU administrator,” police said in a statement.
“Investigators will allege the Footscray man sent a number of allegedly threatening, offensive and abusive emails to a CFMEU administrator following a Notice to Produce sent on October 27 and a follow up letter sent on October 28.”
Setka left the union last year after allegations of widespread corruption involving underworld figures and outlaw motorcycle gang members.
The 61-year-old was placed in handcuffs while detectives executed a search warrant at his Footscray home.
A mobile phone and an iPad seized at the property are expected to undergo detailed analysis by tech experts within the force.
Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien of Crime Command said the force would “not tolerate” such alleged offending.
“Taskforce Hawk will investigate any and all criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry – be that extortions, arsons, serious violent offending or threatening and harassing communications,” he said.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Those detectives charged another key CFMEU figure last week.
Steven Deer, 62, was on Friday charged with 21 offences over allegations of fraudulent invoicing dating back to mid-2024.
The Herald Sun was told Mr Deer was “summarily dismissed” a month ago by the union, which remains under administration.
Mr Deer was the head of the union’s Port Melbourne training site.
Originally published as Former CFMEU boss John Setka arrested and charged by detectives investigating industry corruption
