The licence of one of Victoria's largest security guard providers has been suspended after it was found to be using unlicensed guards.
Victoria Police investigated private security business ACG Security, based in Parkville, after complaints it breached the Private Security Act.
Eight employees, including senior and event management, also had their licences suspended.
Individual security staff are not affected by the suspension.
Senior Sergeant Brett Kahan said the suspensions sent a strong message to those doing the wrong thing.
He said the investigation focused on the business not meeting workplace obligations, sub-contracting to unlicensed private security businesses to provide guards and the recruitment and use of unlicensed guards.
The suspended business has recently been acquired by another licensed company, which means major events will not be affected.
Jess Walsh, state secretary of United Voice union which looks after the security sector, welcomed the move by police.
"We receive constant complaints from members about cowboy operators who cut corners with public safety and rip off hard-working security guards," she said in a statement.
Ms Walsh said union members created a special Safeguard code to raise standards among security contractors.
"We recommend anyone tendering security work only choose a professional, Safeguard-endorsed contractor," she said.
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