Australian Federal Police officers have searched the home of former CFMEU official John Perkovic in Melbourne's northern suburbs as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in Victoria's construction sector.
The raid took place Wednesday at Perkovic's property in Keilor, with at least half a dozen officers and a sniffer dog present, according to ABC Australia. Police were seen searching the backyard and a black Range Rover SUV parked in the driveway. Perkovic left the house a short time later.
The Australian Federal Police confirmed search warrants were executed in the suburb, saying in a statement: "The search warrants are part of the AFP's response to allegations of corruption in the Victorian building industry." The AFP added there was no threat to public safety. Police did not detail specific allegations against Perkovic, and no charges have been laid, PerthNow reported.
Perkovic, a long-time organiser in the Victorian branch of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), worked for more than a decade in the union's Victorian arm when it was led by John Setka, according to both ABC Australia and PerthNow. Setka resigned as head of the Victorian CFMEU in 2024 following allegations that major construction projects in Victoria and New South Wales had been infiltrated by underworld figures and bikies — allegations he denies, PerthNow reported. He has since been charged with allegedly making threatening and harassing comments online about the union's administrators, according to the same report.
After the union was placed under administration in 2024, Perkovic was elevated to a senior leadership role, becoming second in charge, both outlets reported. He was dismissed in October 2025 after allegations of corruption involving his personal finances and property dealings were publicly revealed, according to ABC Australia and PerthNow.
A report by anti-corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson, aired during corruption hearings, alleged that worksites became drug distribution hubs, killers were handed high-paying jobs, and strippers performed for night crews after organised crime infiltrated the union, PerthNow reported. Watson also alleged Perkovic reaped at least $1 million from questionable property deals linked to a block of land behind his home, involving companies that allegedly benefited from decisions made while he was a union official. The house itself was built by a business that was, at the time, receiving favourable treatment from Perkovic, the report said. The rear block was purchased in 2020 by a contractor who was also allegedly receiving advantages from Perkovic through union channels, and in 2024 that block was transferred to his daughter, the inquiry was told.
The CFMEU distanced itself from Perkovic following his dismissal, PerthNow reported.
The raid comes as Victorian Premier Ben Carroll presses ahead with a royal commission-style inquiry into the state's construction sector, headed by former South Australian chief justice Chris Kourakis, according to PerthNow.