Two more arrested as part of Taskforce Hawk investigation into secret commissions

Detectives from Taskforce Hawk have today charged two men as part of an investigation into secret commissions.

With the assistance of the VIPER Taskforce, warrants were executed at two residential properties in Wandin East and Preston shortly after 7.15am.

A 37-year-old Wandin East man and a 38-year-old Preston man were both arrested and subsequently interviewed by police.

The Wandin East man was charged with obtain financial advantage by deception, make false document, use false document and fail to notify change of address within 24 hours re Firearm Prohibition Order.

Police will allege the value of the fraud to be over $424,000.

He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 3 September.

The Preston man was charged with make false document and bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 4 December.

Today’s arrests form part of an ongoing investigation by Taskforce Hawk relating to allegations of secret commissions, as well as drug trafficking and fraud.

Under the Crimes Act 1958, a secret commission refers to corruptly giving, receiving or soliciting an undisclosed financial benefit, reward, payment or kickback.

Police arrested five men on 24 August as part of the investigation including a 36-year-old from Chirnside Park, a 46-year-old from Westbury, a 27-year-old from Gisborne, a 56-year-old from Powelltown and a 37-year-old from Somerville.

Six search warrants were also executed at an office on Elizabeth Street in the CBD, as well as residential addresses in Chirnside Park, Westbury, Gisborne, Powelltown and Somerville.

The Chirnside Park man was charged with drug offences while the Westbury man was charged with firearm offences.

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 matters 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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