Frankston City Council infrastructure manager Andrew Williamson stole $460,000
A dodgy former Frankston City Council officer used his high-ranking position to concoct a bogus invoicing scheme linked to a mate’s company to fleece more than $460,000 from the city’s coffers.
South East
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A dodgy former Frankston City Council officer used his high-ranking position to concoct a bogus invoicing scheme to fleece more than $460,000.
Andrew Williamson, 45, pleaded guilty in the County Court on Thursday to rolled-up charges of dishonestly obtaining money, and attempting to dishonestly obtain money from Frankston City Council.
Williamson, from Anglesea, was the council’s infrastructure manager when he rorted $460,870 from the city’s coffers between September 2016 and April 2017.
The corrupt officer also attempted to obtain another $65,000 between May 9 and May 26 but failed.
Williamson’s modus operandi was to sign off on non-existent electrical work linked to an electrician business run by his mate Aiden Magnik, the court heard.
Magnik will contest charges at a trial pencilled into begin on September 21.
Williamson, who also pleaded guilty to wilfully misconduct himself while in public office, created fake invoices and falsely represented payments from the council to Mr Magnik’s business.
Thursday’s plea hearing in front of Judge George Georgiou is still underway but has been closed to the public while submissions are heard.
Williamson, who appeared via an internet link, told the court he is working as a project manager.
The former officer’s charges follow Operation Topi, an IBAC investigation into allegations improper procurement practices were used to obtain the council’s funds.
This investigation commenced after IBAC received a notification from the council.
Under mandatory notification requirements that came into effect in 2016, all heads of Victorian public sector departments and agencies, including council CEOs, must by law notify IBAC of any matter they suspect, on reasonable grounds, involves corrupt conduct.
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