Taskforce Hawk lay further charges as part of investigation into threatening communications

Detectives from Taskforce Hawk have today issued further charges as part of an investigation into allegedly threatening and harassing emails sent to a CFMEU administrator earlier this year.

A 61-year-old Footscray man was initially arrested on 12 November and charged with seven counts of using a telecom communications device to menace harass and offend.

Detectives have today also charged him with two further counts of using a telecom communications device to offend.

Investigators will allege the Footscray man sent the offensive messages on October 30 to an investigator appointed by the CFMEU Administration.

The man was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 January, 2026.

Operation Hawk was established in July 2024 to specifically target criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry and transitioned to Taskforce Hawk in June 2025.

This was in response to a number of fresh allegations of serious and violent criminal behaviour.

Taskforce Hawk is focused on assessing new intelligence and evidence relating to allegations of criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry.

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.

Police are also instigating approaches with relevant industry stakeholders to gather intelligence, as well as working closely with a range of law enforcement partners, regulators and government authorities.

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Media Unit

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