Mount Eliza man arrested over alleged $2.7m fraud allegedly linked to Health Workers Union

Financial crimes detectives probing an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud allegedly linked to the Health Workers Union have arrested a man in Melbourne.

Detectives investigating a $2.7m fraud allegedly linked to the Health Workers Union arrested a man on Thursday morning. Picture: Diego Fedele

Detectives investigating a $2.7m fraud allegedly linked to the Health Workers Union arrested a man on Thursday morning.

The 74-year-old from Mount Eliza was interviewed by investigators from the Victoria Police financial crimes squad over false invoicing allegations linked to the union and a private company. He was released pending further inquiries, police said.

It is alleged the union’s former head Diana Asmar approved payment of more than $2.7m to a printing firm and got cash in return.

She is facing civil action by the Fair Work Commission. It is understood Ms Asmar denies the claims.

Health Workers Union former head Diana Asmar is facing civil action by the Fair Work Commission.

Search warrants had previously been carried out at addresses in Mount Eliza and Tullamarine.

“The investigation commenced in October 2023 after information was provided to police in relation to allegations of an estimated $2.7m deception believed to have occurred over a five-year period,” a Victoria Police statement said.