A former IT contractor has pleaded guilty to receiving $4.1 million in kickbacks. File photo. Photo: 123rf
A former IT contractor has pleaded guilty to receiving $4.1 million in kickbacks following an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office.
Another contractor pleaded guilty in September to paying the kickbacks in exchange for receiving $20m worth of work from a New Zealand-based company beween November 2013 and June 2017.
The two contractors, both Australian citizens, have interim name suppression.
SFO director Karen Chang said the second guilty plea meant a trial due to start on 4 November was no longer needed.
"The second guilty plea is a key milestone in the SFO's prosecution of this case and illustrates the severe harm that arises when someone abuses their position of trust for personal gain," she said.
"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 pair will next appear in the Auckland High Court in December.