Ex-CFMEU leaders Darren and Michael Greenfield face potential jail time for bribery offences

The Greenfields were charged corruption crimes in September 2021, but comprehensive investigation The publication of this byline in 2024 brought renewed attention to the case, revealing allegations of corruption and the wider infiltration of the CFMEU by organized crime.

Darren Greenfield pleaded guilty to two charges of receiving corrupt benefits. Maximum penalty for these offenses under the Fair Work Act 10 years in prison, a fine of more than $1 million, or both.

‘These two men acted as a bit of a lightning rod for people’s general dissatisfaction or views with the trade union movement.’

Lawyer Michael Ainsworth acts for former CFMEU leaders Darren and Michael Greenfield

The court was also asked to consider the sentence to be imposed on Greenfield snr. Two additional offenses related to receiving cash payments over two days in late 2018.

“In summary, on four separate occasions between 3 November 2018 and 19 June 2020, Darren Greenfield received cash payments totaling $20,000,” Callan told the court. “He was state secretary of the CFMEU at the time.”

Callan said the payments were made by a syndicate member and accomplice known as AF.

Callan said Darren Greenfield had suggested AF could “close construction sites and impact the awarding of construction works”.

“Even if it is just ‘the talk’… there is still a disruptive effect on the relationship between the union and the industry,” Callan said.

The court heard AF helped Michael Greenfield find a foreign worker to take charge of a traffic violation in October 2018.

“It was done for personal gain, that is, to prevent the loss of penalty points,” Callan said.

He later stated that the fact that AF bribed both men was relevant to the seriousness of this crime.

Michael Greenfield pleaded guilty An offense under the NSW Oaths Act For signing a false legal declaration.

He also pleaded guilty to one charge to gain a corrupting advantageThe court was asked to consider an additional crime. receive cash payment.

“On two separate occasions in January 2019 and May 2019, [Michael Greenfield received] …a total cash payment of $10,000,” Callan said.

“He was deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time. [union] … and these payments came from a union member and accomplice known as AF.”

Ainsworth said former rugby league player Michael Greenfield was left in a “dark place” after injury ended his sporting career.

Ainsworth stated that statutory declaration crime was “just one of those stupid things people do”.

“It’s not a bad thing. Just three demerit points. This is a matter that will not result in a prison sentence.” The Crown did not agree with this description.

Greenfields’ lawyer said the men were unlikely to reoffend and were good candidates for rehabilitation.

He said Michael Greenfield admitted that he was “very easily manipulated” and “open to suggestion”.

“It is quite clear when one reads the facts that AF was looking for a path to Darren Greenfield and to a lesser extent Michael Greenfield.

“He wanted to gain a commercial advantage, a competitive advantage, in tenders for various jobs around Sydney. He was hoping to find a way to get the wheels turning to get more work, or some work for his firm, rather than for the benefit of his fellow contractors.”

But Ainsworth said the AF was “largely funneling money without any real benefit”.

The judge will announce his decision on Friday, November 21.