A PROMINENT Mount Gambier businessman was arrested on Monday for allegedly colluding to corrupt a tender and procurement processes associated with the redevelopment of the Yatala Labour Prison for a financial benefit.
The 47-year-old man has been charged with two counts of abuse of public office and one count of bribery or corruption of a public officer.
A 40-year-old man from Seaton, who is a public officer employed as a senior executive in the Department for Correctional Services, was also charged with the same offences.
It is alleged that between June 1, 2018 and July 15, 2019, the men colluded to corrupt the tender and procurement processes associated with the $150m redevelopment of the Yatala Labour Prison in order to financially benefit themselves.
As part of an extensive and long-running investigation by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Bruce Lander, nine search warrants were executed on Monday and the pair were arrested.
Both men have been bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on August 21, 2019.
The investigation is ongoing and further arrests and charges may result.
“I believe there are people in the business sector who were involved in the recent tender process for the Yatala Labour Prison Redevelopment management contract and other persons who were involved in a recent expression of interest process for the modular design of prison cells, who are aware of the public officer’s alleged activities,” Mr Lander said.
“I expect that those members of the business sector will co-operate with the ongoing investigation.
“No further statement will be made at this time.”
