Former ACC Property Manager pleads guilty to corruption

15 February 2011

Malcolm David Mason today pleaded guilty to two Crimes Act and one Secret Commissions Act charges brought by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) arising from his activities as National Property Manager for the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

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 cooperation in reporting untoward activities.”

Mr Mason admitted corruptly receiving a payment of $160,000 from a property developer in return for using his position at the ACC to ensure the involvement of a developer known to him in the construction and leasing of a new ACC branch office.

Mr Mason also admitted corruptly receiving a gift to the value of $9,000, in the form of a business class trip to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, from a real estate agent in return for involving him in securing a long term lease for another ACC building.

In addition to receiving the payment and the gift, Mr Mason also admitted passing a confidential document listing all Government Departmental Security Officers to an associate involved in the business of installing security systems.

Mr Feeley said that there were always lessons to be learned following a criminal investigation, and this case was no exception.

“Part of the SFO’s role is to work closely with other agencies to help prevent future fraud or corruption. We have spoken with a number of parties in this case to advise them of opportunities to help minimise future fraud risks.”

Mr Mason was remanded on bail for sentencing on 15 March 2011.

ENDS

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