Mick Gatto Arrested in Construction Corruption Probe, June 04

Victoria Police arrested underworld figure Mick Gatto, 70, and a 72-year-old woman at their Mount Martha home on June 3 as part of an investigation into alleged financial offences in the construction sector. Detectives from Taskforce Hawk seized electronic devices, a baton, and a knife. Both were released without charge pending further enquiries. The investigation signals a more aggressive police stance on construction industry corruption.

What Police Found at the Arrest

Victoria Police executed a search warrant at Gatto’s Mount Martha property on the Mornington Peninsula on Wednesday morning. Detectives seized electronic devices and two controlled weapons including a baton and knife. Gatto and the woman were arrested and interviewed by officers from Taskforce Hawk, the police unit dedicated to investigating criminal behaviour in the construction sector.

Gatto’s Alleged Role in Construction Corruption

Gatto describes himself as a construction industry mediator and arbitrator who solves disputes between builders and workers. However, a February report by lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC for a Queensland inquiry alleged Gatto held a malignant influence on the CFMEU for decades. Watson’s report claimed Gatto received millions of dollars in retainers from builders to prevent work site shutdowns, describing the payments as a kind of extortion paid for by the taxpayer. Gatto denied the allegations, telling radio station 3AW he was not above the law and had no ties to criminal gangs.

Taskforce Hawk Expands Construction Crackdown

Taskforce Hawk was established to investigate alleged criminal activity linked to Victoria’s construction industry. The unit raided the homes of Gatto and his close associate Nic Maric, a Big Build subcontractor, within days of each other. Police say the investigation remains ongoing. Construction industry insiders welcomed the raids, saying allegations about corruption had been longstanding but led to little police action until now.

Why This Matters for Construction

The arrests mark a shift in how Victoria Police approach construction sector corruption. Taskforce Hawk uses investigation of minor offences as a tactic to target construction industry players suspected of involvement in more serious conduct. The raids suggest police are adopting a far more aggressive detect-or-deter stance when dealing with alleged crime in the building sector.

Final Thoughts

Gatto’s arrest and release without charge signals Victoria Police’s intensified focus on construction corruption. With Taskforce Hawk now actively investigating alleged financial offences, the construction sector faces increased scrutiny and enforcement action.

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