Two Men Arrested in Melbourne Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Victoria Police's Taskforce Hawk charges two men over alleged $424,000 fraud and secret commissions in the building industry.
Quick Look
Victoria Police anti-corruption detectives arrested a Wandin East man and a Preston man following an investigation into secret commissions in the building industry, with one suspect accused of $424,000 in fraud.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Taskforce Hawk was set up in June 2024 to investigate criminal behaviour and outlaw motorcycle gang infiltration in the Victorian construction sector.
Two men have been arrested by Victoria Police's anti-corruption taskforce, with allegations one of the men was responsible for more than $424,000 in fraud.
Taskforce Hawk detectives say a Wandin East man and a Preston man were charged in relation to an ongoing investigation into secret commissions.
It comes following a spate of arrests last week, that saw union headquarters raided and two men charged.
Police have charged the former national vice-president of the Mongols outlaw motorcycle club with allegedly defrauding nearly half a million dollars through secret commissions in the building industry.
Tyrone Bell, 37, who is also a former CFMEU delegate, was arrested at a home in Wandin East early this morning, by detectives from Taskforce Hawk and members of the anti-organised crime VIPER Taskforce.
He was charged with obtain financial advantage by deception, make false document and use false document.
Victoria Police has described a secret commission as "corruptly giving, receiving or soliciting an undisclosed financial benefit, reward, payment or kickback".
Investigators allege Bell defrauded more than $424,000.
Police said he was also subject to a Firearm Prohibition Order, and failed to notify authorities of a change of address within 24 hours.
He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on September 3.
A 38-year-old Preston man was also arrested and charged with make false document.
He was bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates' Court on December 4.
Alleged corruption crackdown continues across Melbourne
Victoria Police said today's arrests form part of an ongoing investigation by Taskforce Hawk into serious allegations of secret commissions, as well as drug trafficking and fraud.
Last week, police raided six properties across the city, including the CBD headquarters of the Victorian branch of the CFMEU, arresting five men as part of an investigation.
A 36-year-old Chirnside Park man was arrested and charged with drug offences, while a 46-year-old Westbury man was charged with firearm offences.
Taskforce Hawk was set up in June 2024 to investigate criminal behaviour in the construction sector, including the infiltration by outlaw motorcycle gangs of major Victorian government infrastructure projects.
Victorian premier Ben Carroll announced a royal commission would be held into corruption in the construction sector.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Tyrone Bell to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will further arrests be made in connection to Taskforce Hawk?
- What are the specific details of the royal commission?
