Former CFMEU boss raided in alleged multimillion-dollar bribe probe

Federal police conducted a raid on the Melbourne residence of John Perkovic, a former CFMEU organiser, as part of their investigation into corruption allegations within the militant construction union. Perkovic, who held the position for over a decade in the union's Victorian branch, was dismissed in October 2025 following accusations detailed in a report by anti-corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson.

The report, presented to Queensland's Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU, alleged that Perkovic received at least $1 million from corrupt property transactions involving a block of land. The property in question, located in Keilor, Melbourne's northern suburbs, was at the heart of the alleged wrongdoing. Watson's report claimed that Perkovic's house was built by a company receiving benefits from him, and he was unable to disclose the cost of construction or the financing details.

The Watson report further alleged that the land adjacent to the house was purchased by another contractor in 2020, allegedly benefiting from Perkovic. The land was later transferred to Perkovic's daughter at no cost, according to the report. Watson also alleged that Perkovic received his home insurance through a labor hire firm and owned three cars paid for by construction companies, including a vintage Ford Falcon GT valued at over $100,000.

Perkovic, who was high up in the informal power structure of the CFMEU, held a position of influence just below the union's second-in-command, John Setka.