Victorian Police have arrested and questioned controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank as part of ongoing investigations while court actions between Essendon and anti-doping body ASADA move forward.

Detectives from the Purana Taskforce questioned Dank over the alleged theft of peptides and later released him without charge.

A police spokesperson would only confirm taskforce detectives arrested a 50-year-old man.

“The man was released pending further inquiries (and) as the investigation is ongoing we won’t be commenting any further,” the spokesperson added.

Dank is a central figure in the AFL and NRL supplements scandals.

ASADA served him a notice in March alleging anti-doping violations during his time at Essendon.

Earlier this month, the anti-doping body also served 34 current and past Essendon players with show-cause notices relating to the club’s 2012 supplements program.

The Bombers and their banned coach James Hird immediately launched Federal Court action against ASADA.

Essendon and Hird are arguing that last year’s joint ASADA and AFL investigation into the club was unlawful and the show-cause notices should not proceed.

The first step in the Federal Court action will be Friday’s directions hearing, which will be televised.

Also on Wednesday, and separate to Dank’s arrest, lawyers for ASADA, Essendon and Hird lodged documents with the Federal Court ahead of the Friday hearing.

All three parties want the trial to go ahead in August and expect it to take no more than three days.

Essendon also want the procedure that follows ASADA’s issuing of the show-cause notices put on hold until the Federal Court action is decided.

In February last year, Essendon announced the AFL and ASADA were launching the joint investigation into the supplements program.

In August, the AFL handed down a range of heavy penalties that included Essendon’s banishment from the finals and Hird’s 12-month suspension.