A federal government employee, his wife, and the director of a Darwin building company have been charged over the alleged fraudulent awarding of Defence Department contracts worth about $71 million to the building company, and a subsidiary company owned by the co-conspirators, the Australian Federal Police has said.
READ: Local businessman identified as one of three facing federal corruption charges
AFP Superintendent Greg Davis said the three were arrested as part of an AFP-led joint agency investigation named Operation Panton Hill which began in March, after the AFP received a report from the Defence Department regarding irregularities identified through an internal investigation into the awarding of contracts, with a value of almost $71 million to a Northern Territory business.
The AFP alleges that the federal government employee, 48, his wife, 40, and a male director of a local building company, 41, were involved in a conspiracy to influence the awarding of tenders to their company.
It is further alleged the government worker exploited his position to influence the allocation of building contracts to the building company and a subsidiary company owned by the co-conspirators.
Supt Davis said the AFP, supported by the Defence Department, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission, simultaneously executed multiple search warrants on businesses and homes across the greater Darwin area on Friday.
He said investigators seized electronic devices including mobile phones and laptops, which will be subject to forensic examination, as well as documentation, a firearm, jewellery, $30,000 in cash and a small quantity of an illicit substance, suspected to be cocaine.
While the AFP press release seemed to reference at least four people, three were charged with one count of dishonestly gaining a benefit from a Commonwealth entity, and the government employee was charged with one count of abuse of public office.
Supt Davis said Operation Panton Hill remains an active investigation. He said the abuse of public office or corruption was not only criminal but a serious breach of public trust.
“Defrauding the Commonwealth is a crime that prevents public funds from being used to support the wider Australian community, and we will not hesitate to investigate suspected criminal activity to bring offenders to justice,” Supt Davis said.
“The AFP has specialised and skilled investigators across the country and maintains strong partnerships with state, territory and Commonwealth agencies.”
Supt Davis said the three are expected to appear at Darwin Local Court on Monday.
UPDATED STORY HERE: Local businessman identified as one of three facing federal corruption charges
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