Former CFMEU secretary John Setka hit with additional charges of using a telecom communications device to offend
Ex-CFMEU secretary John Setka has been slapped with more charges over allegations he sent offensive messages to an investigator appointed by the union’s administration.
Further charges have been laid against former CFMEU boss John Setka.
Setka was arrested and charged last month over allegations he sent threatening and harassing emails to the union’s administrator, Mark Irving, KC.
The former union heavyweight was hit with seven counts of using a device to menace, harass and offend.
Police last month seized Setka’s iPad and phone which were analysed by detectives within Taskforce Hawk.
Those detectives on Friday added two additional charges.
“Detectives have today also charged him with two further counts of using a telecom communications device to offend,” police said in a statement.
“Investigators will allege the Footscray man sent the offensive messages on October 30 to an investigator appointed by the CFMEU Administration.”
Setka left the embattled union last year over allegations of corruption involving gangland figures and outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Mark Irving, KC, last month told the Queensland Commission of Inquiry that the union had been home to a “family” of gangland figures and bikies.
Specialist detectives in Victoria are continuing to probe the union.
“Taskforce Hawk is focused on assessing new intelligence and evidence relating to allegations of criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry,” the police statement continued.
“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.”
Setka was bailed by police to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 30.
