A former IT contractor has pleaded guilty to receiving $4.1m in kickbacks in a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) bribery and corruption case.
In April 2023, the SFO filed charges against two former IT contractors – both Australian citizens.
One pleaded guilty last month to paying kickbacks of around $4.1m in exchange for receiving work.
The other has now pleaded guilty to receiving these kickbacks in return for favouring the awarding of work of the first contractor. This contractor had the authority to employ other IT contractors as part of their role.
Between November 2013 and June 2017, the contractor who paid the kickbacks received contracts of more than $20 million of work on the recommendation of the contractor who received the kickbacks.
The two contractors had a prior relationship before they worked for the New Zealand-based company.
A trial was due to begin in the Auckland High Court on November 4, but the guilty plea means that it is not required.
SFO director Karen Chang said the second guilty plea is a key milestone in the prosecution of this case.
“Participating in schemes that involve bribery and corruption undermines the integrity of New Zealand’s business sector but also erodes public confidence in fair business practices.
“The SFO is determined to hold individuals accountable who undermine New Zealand’s values of transparency and fairness and ensuring that those who engage in corrupt practices face the consequences.”
The next appearance in court of the guilty parties will be in the Auckland High Court on December 4.
