Fake construction qualifications sold in car parks threaten Big Build safety
Criminal networks sell fake safety certificates to construction workers on Victoria's Big Build sites.
Criminal networks issued large numbers of fake building industry training certificates over the past four years, selling them in car parks and pubs for cash to Big Build workers. Jack Younes is suspected as a key player and was still offering to supply certificates as recently as last month.
Other suspected suppliers include bikie associates and underworld figures. The certificates cover traffic management and work on elevated platforms, which are safety roles.
A construction industry trainer discovered workers with fake credentials. He alerted WorkSafe Victoria to the scam in July 2025.
He estimated hundreds of Victorian workers on building sites hold fake qualifications. Police alerted WorkSafe in August.
A spokesperson said they are still making inquiries. Multiple federal and state agencies have been told about the scam.
Their slow response has let the scam continue.
- Past four years
- Time window
- Hundreds of Victorian construction workers
- Workers affected
Why it mattersWorkers with fake qualifications can cause serious injury or death on construction sites. The Big Build is Victoria's largest infrastructure project.
AustraliaVictoria's Big Build, the state's major infrastructure investment, is being undermined by a fake qualifications racket. The lack of coordinated action by WorkSafe, police, and skills authorities puts workers and the public at risk on active sites across the state.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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