Six individuals, including a man from Somerset, have been convicted in connection with a £2million bribery scandal linked to the construction of Cranbrook, a new town near Exeter in the South West. The corrupt build bosses bribed energy officials in order to secure lucrative contracts and other favors, leading to a criminal conspiracy involving money laundering, fraud, and the new housing community.
The scheme involved bribery in the form of cash, false invoices, references, home improvements, and other illicit payments to ensure work related to Cranbrook. The bribes tainted the contracting process, causing legitimate and fair bidders to lose out on opportunities, as reported by DevonLive.
The illegal activities were uncovered after a long and complex investigation initiated by E.ON, the energy company, which found that two former employees had accepted bribes and engaged in corrupt practices. The employees were provided with fake references and other inducements, including facilitating fraudulent house moves.
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The culprits, including Andrew Blunsdon of Somerset, were convicted for their involvement in the scandal, which extended from 2011 to 2015. The illegal payments were made in various forms, including cash, bank transfers, luxury items, and services, resulting in charges related to bribery, fraud, money laundering, and abuse of position.
The sentencing for the six defendants took place at Winchester Crown Court, where they pleaded guilty to various offenses as part of the corrupt practices. The convictions highlight the consequences of engaging in corrupt activities, which ultimately impact businesses and society as a whole. The practices were described as a parasitic blight on society, causing harm and distorting fair competition in the construction industry.
The successful resolution of this case was the result of a collaborative effort between E.ON and law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of reporting such criminal activities. It serves as a reminder of the legal repercussions for individuals and organizations involved in bribery and corruption.