Ex-CFMEU boss Setka charged with abusive emails
A former boss of the embattled construction union has been accused of sending threatening, harassing and offensive emails to its administrator.
Controversial former CFMEU boss John Setka has been arrested and charged after allegedly sending threatening and abusive emails to the union’s administrator.
The union heavyweight was arrested on Wednesday morning by state and federal police at his Footscray home, where officers seized a phone and an iPad.
Police allege Setka sent a number of threatening, offensive and abusive emails to a CFMEU administrator following a production notice sent on October 27 and a follow-up letter sent the next day.
The 61-year-old has been charged with seven counts of using a communications device to menace, harass and offend.
He quit after 12 years as head of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime and Energy Union in Victoria in 2024 after a Nine investigation into criminal links within the construction industry.
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The company’s reporting alleged major Victorian and NSW construction projects have been infiltrated by underworld figures and bikies acting as union delegates.
The construction and general division of the union, including all its state branches, were placed into administration in mid-2024 in response to allegations of serious misconduct, corruption and violence.
Setka garnered a dedicated following and significant influence during his time in the role while also being attached to a string of controversies.
He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on January 30, 2026.
-with AAP
