A senior manager at MA Services Group, a security company with alleged links to a bikie club, has been charged with threatening investigative journalist Nick McKenzie. The charge follows an alleged phone call made to McKenzie’s home on Christmas Eve.
Victoria Police reported that a 31-year-old man from Melbourne’s north-west faces two counts of using a carriage service to menace or cause offence. The charges were brought by detectives from Taskforce Hawk, a special unit focused on crime and corruption in the construction industry.
The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald have extensively covered MA Services Group’s alleged connections to a bikie club, accusations of tax evasion and worker exploitation by its subcontractors, and a sexual harassment scandal involving the company’s founder, Micky Ahuja.
Background on MA Services Group
MA Services Group, known for its lucrative yet controversial contracts, has been involved in guarding immigration detainees on Nauru and working with various Commonwealth government agencies, including Australia’s peak criminal intelligence agency. The company also held security contracts with major retail and sporting organizations, including AFL clubs, Coles, Kmart, and the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix.
A search warrant was executed at a residential address in Fraser Rise at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, leading to the arrest and charging of the man, who served as the national business development manager for MA Services Group. According to a Victoria Police spokesperson, “Investigators will allege he made a threatening phone call to a journalist on the morning of 24 December.”
The Impact on Journalism and Public Interest
The alleged threats against McKenzie underscore the risks faced by journalists covering sensitive topics. Patrick Elligett, editor of The Age, emphasized the importance of such reporting, stating, “The reporting on MA Services has been undoubtedly in the public interest and journalists should be free to do this important work without fear of threats and intimidation.”
McKenzie, a multi-award-winning journalist, has been at the forefront of exposing crime and corruption in the building industry through the “Building Bad” series. His work earned him the Gold Walkley, Australia’s highest journalism honor, in November 2024.
Previous Security Incidents
The latest threat to McKenzie follows a previous security breach in October, when an unknown individual entered his home through the roof and attempted to disable the CCTV system. Police suspect the break-in was preceded by surveillance of the property, although no charges have been filed in connection with that incident.
MA Services Group recently entered voluntary administration just two days before Christmas, adding to the turmoil surrounding the company. This development comes after Micky Ahuja stepped down as chief executive earlier in December amid allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, and offering cash for sex to vulnerable women.
Looking Ahead
The charges against the senior manager highlight ongoing concerns about the safety of journalists and the integrity of security firms with controversial ties. As investigations continue, the media and public alike will be watching closely for further developments.
Anyone with information about these incidents is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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