Mick Gatto arrested by Victorian police over alleged financial offences
Quick Look
- Underworld figure Mick Gatto has been arrested by Victorian police investigating alleged financial offences.
- Detectives from Taskforce Hawk arrested Gatto, 70s, and a woman at a Mount Martha property.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Mick Gatto, described as an underworld figure and a "mediator and arbitrator" in the construction industry, has been arrested by Victorian police. The arrest is part of an investigation into alleged financial offences by Taskforce Hawk, which focuses on criminal behaviour in the construction sector.
Underworld figure Mick Gatto has been arrested by Victorian police investigating "alleged financial offences".
Victoria Police said in a statement that detectives from Taskforce Hawk executed a warrant at a Mount Martha property this morning.
"Two people at the address, a man and a woman both in their 70s, were arrested and are being interviewed by police," the statement said.
The ABC has confirmed Mr Gatto is the man who was arrested.
Victoria Police's Taskforce Hawk is an operation dedicated to investigating criminal behaviour in the construction sector.
Mr Gatto describes himself as a construction industry "mediator and arbitrator" who helps solve disputes between builders and workers.
But in a report prepared for a Queensland inquiry into the CFMEU published in February, lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC alleged Mr Gatto had held a "malignant influence" on the CFMEU for decades.
Mr Watson's report alleged Mr Gatto received millions of dollars in retainers from builders, to prevent shutdowns on their work sites.
The report described the payments as a "kind of extortion" paid for by the taxpayer.
In response to Mr Watson's allegations, Mr Gatto told Melbourne radio station 3AW he was "not above the law" and had no ties to criminal gangs.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Further arrests or charges related to the financial offences investigation.
Likely · Within weeks
Increased media attention and public discussion regarding Gatto's alleged influence and activities.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What specific financial offences are being investigated?
- What is the nature of the relationship between Gatto and the woman arrested with him?
- Will Gatto be charged, and what are the potential penalties?
- What is the CFMEU's current stance on the allegations made by Geoffrey Watson SC?