Swann jailed for 9-1/2 years
Swann jailed for 9-1/2 years
Michael Swann has been jailed for nine years and six months for defrauding the Otago District Health Board of $16.9 million in what a judge described today as "fraud on a grand scale".
Michael Swann
'Astonishing greed' sunk Swann
'Astonishing greed' sunk Swann
"Fraud on a grand scale" was how Justice Lyn Stevens yesterday described the actions of former Otago District Health Board chief information officer Michael Swann and his friend and business associate Kerry Harford.
Fraud insurance claim under wraps
Fraud insurance claim under wraps
The Otago District Health Board has begun "discussions" about a fraud insurance claim, but chief executive Brian Rousseau is remaining tight-lipped about the details.
DHB silent on Swann assets chase
DHB silent on Swann assets chase
The Otago District Health Board is not responding to questions about the future of its civil court claim over assets belonging to former employee and convicted fraud Michael Swann.
Owner shocked at Swann connection
Owner shocked at Swann connection
The Kurow owner of a Hampden holiday home says he got "a hell of a shock" when he was told police had seized a vintage Rolls-Royce from his garage.
Sentencing welcomed by former ODHB chairman
Sentencing welcomed by former ODHB chairman
Former Otago District Health Board chairman Richard Thomson, sacked last month over the $16.9 million fraud, was disappointed not to be in the High Court in Dunedin yesterday for the sentencing of Michael Swann and Kerry Harford.
Date set for Swann sentencing
Date set for Swann sentencing
Michael Swann and Kerry Harford will be sentenced in the High Court next March for what is thought to be New Zealand's largest employee fraud.
Risk of grievance claim blocked Swann audit
Risk of grievance claim blocked Swann audit
Former Otago District Health Board financial officer Ewan Soper says Audit New Zealand never specifically audited its chief information officer Michael Swann, even after the board received a letter that raised concerns about Swann's honesty.
Soper signed Sonnford request
Soper signed Sonnford request
Former Otago District Health Board financial officer Ewan Soper yesterday confirmed he signed a $48,000 payment request for Sonnford Solutions Ltd in November 2000.
Health Minister seeks fraud reassurance
Health Minister seeks fraud reassurance
Health Minister Tony Ryall is seeking more information about audits and internal procedures at the Otago District Health Board during the six years it was defrauded of $16.9 million.
Swann warning letter raised questions
Swann warning letter raised questions
A warning letter sent to Healthcare Otago by two Dunedin accountants 10 years ago has raised material questions about the employment of Michael Swann, found guilty by a jury last week of defrauding the institution of $16.9 million.
Skeggs had raised Swann concerns
Skeggs had raised Swann concerns
The personal income and expenditure of Michael Swann was queried by Dunedin businessman Sir Clifford Skeggs, who yesterday said he informally raised concerns with members of the Otago District Health Board.
Swann alert not 'ignored'
Swann alert not 'ignored'
A warning to the Otago District Health Board about Michael Swann's extravagant lifestyle was not "ignored", chairman Richard Thomson yesterday confirmed.
Compensatory funding not option for ODHB
Compensatory funding not option for ODHB
The Otago District Health Board did not get, or ask for, compensatory government funding when multimillion-dollar fraud was uncovered at the board in 2006.
Prime time for fraud to surface: expert
Prime time for fraud to surface: expert
Expect to see more fraud emerging, similar to the multimillion-dollar one uncovered at the Otago District Health Board, as New Zealand and the world head deeper into troubled times, a leading New Zealand fraud examiner says.
Thomson clarifies consequences
Thomson clarifies consequences
If the Otago District Health Board had not been defrauded of $16.9 million, deficits would have been reduced rather than additional services provided, board chairman Richard Thomson says.
Swann sold assets to pay legal bills
Swann sold assets to pay legal bills
It was "pretty galling" former information technology manager Michael Swann, who defrauded the Otago District Health Board of $16.9 million, was allowed to sell some of his assets to help fund his legal bill, chairman Richard Thomson said.
Exclusive: The letter that warned about Michael Swann
Exclusive: The letter that warned about Michael Swann
Only in today's Otago Daily Times and now online Michael Swann, with help from his friend Kerry Harford, defrauded the cash-strapped Otago District Health Board (ODHB) of...
Board battled as millions were stolen
Board battled as millions were stolen
More than 900 hip replacements or 482 cardiac bypass operations - that is potentially what $16.9 million could buy in the private health sector today.
Swann letter 'prompted action'
Swann letter 'prompted action'
Former Otago District Health Board chairman Ross Black says the then board could not substantiate the contents of a letter sent in July 1998 warning hospital management about its decision to employ Michael Swann.