Three mediators cleared in CFMEU fake extortion case
Three mediators were cleared in a fake $6.6 million extortion case. A fourth will face trial.
Three industrial relations mediators have been cleared by Melbourne Magistrates Court. Prosecutors did not have enough evidence for a conviction.
Gazanfer Bekirovski, Travers Grubb and Daniel Van Camp walked free on Wednesday. A fourth mediator, Amir Teymoori, 46, will face trial in the County Court.
The magistrate found enough evidence. Teymoori allegedly falsely claimed to be a mediator between a construction company and CFMEU union officials.
He claimed to negotiate on their behalf to stop building disruptions. The company was then invoiced $6.6 million despite no one approving the services.
The court heard Teymoori allegedly threatened the company executive and his family during a December 2024 meeting. Magistrate Stephen Ballek ruled the three others could not be involved.
There was no evidence they made similar threats or agreed to help.
- $6.6 million
- Alleged invoice amount
- Amir Teymoori, 46
- Mediator to stand trial
- December 2024
- Meeting month
- Melbourne Magistrates
- Court
Why it mattersThe case shows how courts examine evidence in complex fraud cases. It shows the standards needed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
AustraliaThis is a significant Australian legal outcome affecting industrial relations practices and construction industry relations with unions.
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