Former union secretary Darren Greenfield and his son, former deputy leader Michael Greenfield, both admitted they accepted bribes from a building company owner in exchange for preferential union treatment and building contracts.

Michael pleaded guilty to two counts of receiving or soliciting a corrupt benefit, Darren also pleaded guilty to two charges of the same count but was charged with four.

The plea deal saw prosecutors drop other charges.

A series of exposes published by the Nine newspapers about the CFMEU forced the Federal Government to intervene, appointing an administrator to seize control of the union and clear out its dark underbelly.

Footage published by the newspapers from a hidden camera concealed by police in the Sydney office of the CFMEU showed Darren allegedly receiving a $5000 bribe then putting the money in a draw about 10 minutes later.

Darren and Michael were charged with corruption offences in late 2021.

It is understood the father and son duo accepted a plea deal because they no longer had access to union money to pay for their legal fees, the ABC reports.

A damning report into the Greenfields’ legal fees by corruption expert Geoffrey Watson SC recommended Darren be prosecuted on criminal charges for recklessly failing to discharge his duties and dishonestly using his position for financial gain for himself and his son.

He said union members were shocked and angered when they informed that $895,000 had been spent on the Greenfields’ legal fees.

The report recommended civil action against the Greenfields.

The Greenfields’ lawyer Paul McGirr told Nine newspapers outside of court he would argue for his clients to avoid a jail term.

“I would be submitting to the court, if it’s me who appears, that the threshold has not potentially been crossed,” he said.

“And if it has been, there are other alternatives open to the court in order for them to serve a sentence.”

The pair are due to face the District Court on May 26.