Lawyers for a Melbourne businessman are expected to apply for an injunction stopping the ABC from broadcasting a Four Corners investigation into the Italian Mafia.

Part one of the joint Four Corners/Fairfax Media investigation is scheduled to air on Monday night.

The program investigates the family and business connections between the Italian Mafia and their Australian associates and how the Mafia has infiltrated Australian politics at the highest levels.

On Thursday afternoon, lawyers for a Melbourne businessman informed the ABC they had been instructed to make an urgent application to the Supreme Court of Victoria regarding Monday night's planned program.

It is expected his lawyers will seek a hearing on Monday to attempt to stop the program from airing that night.