news, crime

An ACT public servant allegedly asked a contractor for a $100,000 kickback in return for lucrative government contracts. Christopher Hocking, 38, of Kaleen allegedly told the contractor he would make sure "you get the ... project and keep getting projects like this one. I am the man with the cheque book and you can get the work done". "I work for the government on one hundred K per year, I have ... a family to support and I live in Kaleen. I need a bit extra." The cash was never exchanged and the contractor instead reported the matter to the police. Mr Hocking was arrested on Wednesday after a three-month investigation by police. The project manager at the Transport and City Services Directorate did not enter a plea when he appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday on a charge of bribery. Police allegations, tendered in court, said Mr Hocking had met the contractor in January through a tender to complete work on an ACT school. Mr Hocking then allegedly told the contractor to drop their bid on another project by $50,000 and they would get a "shot" at a $1 million ACT government street extension project. The contractor became concerned and told his business partners as it was their understanding that it was not government practice to openly discuss tenders. The following day, during a meeting, Mr Hocking is accused of telling the contractor to turn his phone off before then asking for the cash payout. The contractor said he would need to get back to him and Mr Hocking allegedly replied: "I don't want to do any little hand overs of money, we do it once and be done with it". "I see it working like this, you hand me a bag of untraceable cash, meet me at a carpark ... and leave a bag that I'll pick up." It is alleged Mr Hocking then told the contractor that he had "over $3 million to spend in the next six months", in reference to government contracts to award. The contractor again spoke to his business partners, who took legal advice before reporting the conversation to police. Magistrate Bernadette Boss granted Mr Hocking bail on condition the accused report to Belconnen police station once a week, not contact the contractors, and reside in Kaleen. The matter will return to court later this month. Investigations are ongoing and police are urging anyone who may have any information that could assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6225541 or Operation DONATI. Information can be provided anonymously.

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