Ex-CFMEU Official Joel Leavitt Faces Additional Charges
February 26, 2026 — 4:02pm
Joel Leavitt, the former Bandidos bikie president and ex-CFMEU official, is back in the legal spotlight. He has been charged with two separate violations of his bail conditions, adding to the existing charges of blackmail and non-compliance with police. Leavitt, aged 32, was arrested in Heidelberg on February 12, 2026, following an incident at a Brooklyn business on January 19, 2026, where a demand for $663,000 was allegedly made.
This arrest comes on the heels of a broader investigation by Victoria Police's Taskforce Hawk, which has been probing organized crime in the building industry. The taskforce's efforts led to the arrest of former CFMEU boss John Setka on similar charges of violating bail conditions on February 25, 2026.
Leavitt's case is particularly significant as it puts pressure on the government to address its previous inaction regarding warnings about the CFMEU faction's involvement in the rorting of major Labor infrastructure projects. These concerns were further emphasized by a recent report from corruption-busting lawyer Geoffrey Watson, SC, who estimated that CFMEU corruption in government infrastructure projects has cost taxpayers a staggering $15 billion. The government has defended its response, criticizing Watson's estimate.
The legal proceedings against Leavitt are ongoing, with a court hearing scheduled for Friday, where bail applications and the revocation of existing bail will be considered. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and corruption within the building industry, and the potential for further revelations and legal action.
