A former ACC national property manager has admitted taking a bribe worth $160,000, accepting a $9000 business trip to Singapore and passing on a confidential document.
Malcolm David Mason, 50, today pleaded guilty in Wellington District Court to three charges of corruption and bribery brought by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).
Mason, who had worked for ACC for 32 years, admitted receiving a bribe of $160,000 from a property developer in relation to the construction and leasing of a new ACC branch office.
Mason also admitted accepting a business class trip to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix from a real estate agent in return for helping him secure a long-term lease for another ACC building.
He also admitted passing on a confidential email listing all government departmental security officers to a businessman involved in installing security systems.
SFO chief executive Adam Feeley said although corruption cases were rare in New Zealand, it was important to deal with them swiftly in order to maintain public confidence.
"New Zealand has a hard-earned reputation for very low levels of corruption, and that reputation needs to be protected by constant vigilance by government agencies, along with public co-operation in reporting untoward activities," he said.
Mr Feeley said that there were always lessons to be learned following a criminal investigation, and this case was no exception.
"We have spoken with a number of parties in this case to advise them of opportunities to help minimise future fraud risks."
Mason was remanded on bail for sentence on March 15.
The charges were laid by the SFO in November last year after a two-and-a-half year investigation into property development and leasing arrangements involving ACC.
Mason was dismissed from his job in March.
A second man charged is yet to face trial.
