Mick Gatto, the well-known Melbourne identity long linked in media reporting to Melbourne’s underworld, has been released without charge after a Victoria Police investigation into alleged financial offences.
Victoria Police said Taskforce Hawk detectives raided two residential addresses on Wednesday morning, one in Mount Martha and another in the Melbourne CBD.
Police said detectives arrested a 70-year-old man and a 72-year-old woman at the Mount Martha address, interviewed both, and released them pending further enquiries.
Police did not name the pair in its public statement. ABC News identified the man as Gatto, while News Corp mastheads identified the woman as his wife, Cheryl Gatto.
What Police Seized
Victoria Police said detectives seized electronic devices and two controlled weapons, including a baton and knife.
Police said the investigation started earlier this year and remains ongoing.
Taskforce Hawk targets alleged criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry. It began as Operation Hawk in July 2024 before becoming Taskforce Hawk in June 2025.
Police said the taskforce investigates new intelligence and evidence connected to alleged criminal behaviour in the construction sector, including organised crime linked to the industry.
No Charges Laid
Police have not announced any charges against Gatto or his wife.
Both have been released pending further enquiries.
An arrest is not a charge, and a police investigation is not a finding of wrongdoing.
There is no suggestion either person has been found guilty of any offence.
Political Pressure Builds
The arrest comes at a difficult time for the Allan Government.
Victoria’s construction sector already faces sustained scrutiny over alleged corruption, criminal infiltration and the handling of taxpayer-funded major projects.
This week, the Victorian Government announced in-principle support for stronger powers for the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.
The proposed changes include “follow-the-money” powers designed to help IBAC track public money into private contractors, subcontractors and third-party arrangements.
The government announced the move after months of pressure over whether Victoria’s integrity system has the power to properly investigate allegations connected to major government-funded construction projects.
The timing adds to the political pressure.
Victoria heads to a state election on 28 November 2026, putting construction integrity, public money and government accountability firmly in the campaign frame.
Gatto’s Comments On Premier
Gatto had already entered the political conversation earlier this year.
In a February interview with 3AW, Gatto said he had not met Premier Jacinta Allan, but described her as “a good person”.
Liberal Victoria later circulated those comments as an endorsement of the Premier.
There is no evidence that Gatto’s comments about the Premier are connected to the current police investigation.
However, the arrest of such a high-profile figure by a taskforce focused on construction-linked criminal behaviour will draw close attention.
It also gives political opponents another test of the government’s handling of integrity, organised crime risks and public money in the major projects sector.
Investigation Continues
Victoria Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
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