Operation Hector: ICAC to hold public inquiry into Inner West Council, Transport for NSW corruption allegations
The state’s anti-corruption commission will hold a public inquiry into allegations tabled against a Sydney council and Transport for NSW.
Inner West
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The state’s anti-corruption commission will hold a public inquiry this month into corruption allegations tabled against the Inner West Council and Transport for NSW.
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption established Operation Hector to investigate allegations that former Inner West Council and Transport for NSW staff acted “dishonestly” and improperly obtained financial gain.
The allegations span between 2014 and 2021, and concern one former Inner West Council employee, five Transport for NSW staff and one Downer employee, according to a statement published by ICAC.
The investigation will look into allegations the staff improperly and dishonestly recommended or awarded tenders to companies which would benefit themselves, or undertook work without disclosing interests.
ICAC has said it will investigate ex-council employee Tony Nguyen, former Transport for NSW staff Benjamin Vardanega, Nima Abdi and Raha Sanber, as well as more unnamed employees from Transport and Downer, a construction company.
The inquiry will gather evidence related to the allegations and will be presided by chief commissioner John Hatzistergos, who was elevated to the position last year. It will begin on March 20.
An Inner West Council statement read council was aware of the inquiry and would “assist ICAC with their inquiries”.
“Council referred the matter to ICAC on becoming aware of concerns regarding Mr Nguyen,” the statement read.
“Mr Nguyen was subsequently suspended from duties and resigned shortly after a number of allegations were put to him in 2020.”
A Transport for NSW spokesman said the department would “fully co-operate with the investigation”.
“Those named no longer work for Transport for NSW,” he said.
“As the matter is before the ICAC, it would be inappropriate to make further comment.”
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