Bodgey builders busted

Three men have been charged after allegedly carrying out $450,000 worth of fraudulent building work in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Investigators from Victoria Police’s Eastern Division One’s Divisional Crime Team, with the assistance of the Australian Border Force, arrested the trio at a building site in Black Rock on 15 July.

It’s alleged the men carried out fraudulent roofing works for at least 14 victims from March this year.

Following their arrest, investigators executed search warrants at addresses in Notting Hill and seized a large quantity of cash, as well as luxury items such as high-end watches, handbags and clothing.

A 29-year-old Notting Hill man, a 34-year-old Irish national and a 32-year-old British national have all been charged with deception offences and appeared at Melbourne Magistrate’s Court Thursday.

A 26-year-old Notting Hill woman was also interviewed by police and is expected to be charged on summons with handling the proceeds of crime.

During the investigation five unlawful non-citizens were located at the Notting Hill residence. They have been referred for departure from Australia. Further enquiries relating to document and migration fraud will be investigated further.

Anyone who is aware of an individual, business or employer who might be facilitating visa fraud or illegal work is urged to contact Border Watch at australia.gov.au/borderwatch. Information can be provided anonymously.

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