afp investigating ozl bribery allegations, page-4

This link has some details and is not paywalled.

http://www.theage.com.au/business/police-reopen-oz-cochlear-bribery-cases-20130112-2cmrt.html

In 2011, The Cambodia Daily newspaper alleged OZ Minerals paid more than $US1 million to three women on the board of its joint-venture partner Shin Ha when it bought the company in 2009. The women were closely related to Cambodian officials, some of whom worked in the mining ministry, the newspaper alleged.

According to the OECD report, Australian Federal Police dismissed the allegations before a formal investigation was opened ''because it received information from the AFP's overseas network that the transaction had been undertaken with due diligence and that all payments were made at the joint venture partner's request''.

''The AFP did not inquire into key matters that could have corroborated the allegations, such as whether the board members were indeed related to foreign public officials; the due diligence conducted by the company was sound; and the buyout proceeds were channelled to the board members.''

It said the case ''concretely illustrates'' concerns ''the AFP may have closed … cases before thoroughly investigating the allegations''.

Asked about the Cambodia case last week, an OZ Minerals spokeswoman said: ''I can't comment without knowing why the AFP would reopen the case … even if it relates to us.''

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/business/police-reopen-oz-cochlear-bribery-cases-20130112-2cmrt.html#ixzz2IAy4LgRu