The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has completed and closed an investigation into the Taupo District Council and referred the matter to the Office of the Auditor General.
SFO concludes investigation into Taupo District Council
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has completed and closed an investigation into the Taupo District Council and referred the matter to the Office of the Auditor General.
The initial complaint to SFO related to procurement and tender practices within the Council. However after extensive investigation, SFO has concluded that there is no evidence of deliberate deception by parties involved in the assessment of tenders.
SFO Acting Director, Graham Gill said, "This investigation has highlighted the need for organisations to have robust procurement processes. However in this case we are confident that there is no evidence of fraud and that much of the suspicion can be put down to procedural issues. Nevertheless it was important for SFO to investigate the allegations as a matter of public interest."
ENDS
For further information
Andrea Linton
Serious Fraud Office
027 705 4550
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About SFO
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) was established in 1990 under the Serious Fraud Office Act in response to the collapse of financial markets in New Zealand at that time.
SFO's role is the detection, investigation and prosecution of serious or complex financial crime. SFO's focus is on investigating and prosecuting criminal cases that will have a real effect on:
- business and investor confidence in our financial markets and economy
- public confidence in our justice system and public service
- New Zealand's international business reputation.
SFO operates three investigative teams:
- Evaluation and Intelligence;
- Financial Markets and Corporate Fraud; and
- Fraud and Corruption.
SFO operates under two sets of investigative powers.
Part I of the SFO Act provides that it may act where the Director "has reason to suspect that an investigation into the affairs of any person may disclose serious or complex fraud."
Part II of the SFO Act provides the SFO with more extensive powers where: "...the Director has reasonable grounds to believe that an offence involving serious or complex fraud may have been committed..."
SFO's Annual Report 2012 sets out its achievements for the past year, while the Statement of Intent 2013-2016 sets out the SFO's three year strategic goals and performance standards. Both are available online at: www.sfo.govt.nz(external link)