When Victorian businessman Christian Munn was confronted with allegations that notorious underworld figures were claiming to represent his building company, Cobolt, to extract a disputed payment from a developer, his response was one of outrage. “I’ve done f—ing nothing except to get raped by a crook,” Munn fumed, vehemently denying any dealings between Cobolt and gangland identities Mick Gatto and John Khoury.
Munn, a wealthy businessman and director of Cobolt, is also the president of the Victorian Ski Club. Alongside his wife, Angela Brown, a winery owner and member of the renowned Brown Brothers wine family, Munn owns half of Cobolt. Despite the allegations, it remains unclear who, if anyone, within Cobolt might have engaged Gatto or Khoury, and there is no suggestion that Munn or Brown were involved.
Claims and Counterclaims
Gatto, known for his role as a gangland-linked fixer, has repeatedly asserted that Cobolt was his client. During a podcast appearance, Gatto claimed he had been “engaged” by Cobolt to deal with developer Joe Toscano. “It’s Cobolt,” Gatto stated when asked to identify the firm.
However, Munn has consistently denied these claims, offering strong advice to those investigating the matter. “If you’re going to do an investigation, get to the bottom of it and actually realise it’s all bullshit,” he said, attributing the narrative to a developer seeking commercial advantage. Munn also suggested that the developer, Joe Toscano, might have influenced media coverage due to his son’s position as a journalist at The Age.
Investigative Revelations
The Building Bad series, a collaborative investigative effort by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review, and 60 Minutes, has been examining underworld infiltration in the building industry. Initially focusing on the CFMEU’s gangland and bikie ties, the series has shifted to scrutinize companies potentially fueling entrenched industry practices.
Recently, the series uncovered a financial and document trail connecting Cobolt to Gatto and Khoury through a middleman. Financial records obtained by The Age reveal that Cobolt is among several Victorian building firms that have made payments to front companies established by Khoury’s accountant, Charlie Pellegrino. The federal police, actively investigating these payments, raided Pellegrino’s office in March.
“We can cause you grief. I know you’ve got enough grief in your life already.” — Mick Gatto
Legal Battle and Industry Implications
The legal dispute between Toscano and Cobolt is now set for trial in a Victorian court. Cobolt was awarded approximately $156,000 through the County Court in 2024, but Toscano’s company has made offsetting claims that the Supreme Court acknowledged could have merit.
Cobolt’s lawyer, Grant Walker, has reiterated Munn’s denials of any dealings with gangland figures. Despite the allegations, Toscano’s Collingwood project is finally complete, albeit over time and likely at a financial loss. Toscano remains proud of his work, viewing his efforts as a stand against gangland influence in the construction industry.
The broader implications of this case highlight ongoing concerns about corporate accountability in the building sector. The CFMEU administration, under Mark Irving, KC, is calling for greater action from Labor governments to address industry misconduct. The administration is particularly interested in Cobolt’s dispute with Toscano, amid suggestions of a former union official’s involvement with Gatto and Khoury.
As the federal police continue their investigation, the construction industry faces increased scrutiny over its ties to underworld figures. This case, emblematic of broader industry issues, underscores the need for transparency and reform in the sector.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis, and insights. Sign up here.
