The Australian Federal Police raided the Melbourne home of former CFMEU organiser John Perkovic on Wednesday morning, executing search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into union corruption. According to an Australian Federal Police spokesperson, the search warrants form part of the agency’s response to allegations of corruption in the Victorian building industry under Operation Rye.
At least half a dozen officers, accompanied by sniffer dogs, arrived at the property early Wednesday morning. Investigators were spotted searching items in the garden and underneath a Range Rover parked outside the residence. Mr. Perkovic was photographed leaving the property shortly after the raid commenced. According to available reports, he has not been arrested, and no charges have been laid against him.
Investigation Context and Prior Allegations
The operation at Mr. Perkovic’s home follows closely on the heels of separate law enforcement actions involving the construction union. Just a day prior to the raid, two CFMEU delegates—including an alleged former bikie vice-president—were charged over alleged secret commissions. The Australian Federal Police continues to investigate alleged corruption and wrongdoing within Victoria’s construction industry under Taskforce Hawk.
Mr. Perkovic held a position within the union before his departure. He was promoted to second-in-charge of the CFMEU’s Victoria branch in 2024, but was stood down and subsequently dismissed in 2025 after corruption claims were published against him. Media reports from The Age alleged that Mr. Perkovic received inducements totaling more than $3 million from company bosses during his tenure at the union.
Did You Know? In his report to Queensland’s Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU, anti-corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson alleged that Mr. Perkovic pocketed at least $1 million from corrupt property transactions connected to the exact Melbourne home that was raided on Wednesday, which Watson alleged was built by a company that Mr. Perkovic was providing benefits to.
Implications for the Victorian Construction Industry
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding the CFMEU highlights probes into labor officials and building companies. Taskforce Hawk and Operation Rye represent efforts by federal law enforcement to examine financial dealings within the sector.
What May Happen Next in the CFMEU Probe
As the Australian Federal Police continue their inquiries under Taskforce Hawk, additional search warrants or interviews could occur as investigators analyze items seized during the raid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is John Perkovic?
John Perkovic is a former official and organiser who served as second-in-charge at the CFMEU’s Victoria branch before being dismissed in 2025 following corruption allegations.
Why was the Melbourne property raided?
The Australian Federal Police executed search warrants at the home as part of Operation Rye, which investigates allegations of corruption in the Victorian building industry.
Has Mr. Perkovic been charged with a crime?
No charges have been laid against Mr. Perkovic, and he was not arrested following Wednesday’s raid by federal police.
How will these federal raids impact ongoing labor operations and oversight within the Victorian construction sector?
Keep reading