John Setka, the former head of the Victorian branch of the CFMEU, has been taken into custody once again, facing allegations of sending harassing messages to a CFMEU administrative official.

Authorities apprehended Setka at his residence, charging him with using a carriage service to harass and committing an indictable offense while on bail.

Investigators claim that the 61-year-old sent a harassing message to a CFMEU staff member on Christmas Day of last year.

These latest charges come just months after Setka was initially charged on November 12, 2025, with seven counts related to using a telecommunications device to menace, harass, and offend.

On December 5, he faced additional charges with two more counts of using a telecom device to offend.

Setka had resigned from his position with the CFMEU in July 2024, following serious allegations of criminal behavior brought to light by a joint investigation conducted by 60 Minutes and The Age.

He has always denied all allegations of misconduct.

The CFMEU was plunged into administration by the federal government one month after Setka’s resignation following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the union.

Barrister Mark Irving KC was appointed as the union’s administrator to oversee its financial, legal and business affairs.

The union could remain under administration for up to five years.

Setka has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 3, 2026. 

Speaking to The Age in relation to today’s charges, Setka denied sending a harassing message on Christmas Day.

“People should just toughen up and drink a bit of concrete and harden up a bit…it is the building industry,” Setka said.