Serious Fraud Office to probe Fuji Xerox again

Fuji Xerox headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. Photo / 123rf

The Serious Fraud Office has opened a new investigation into Fuji Xerox New Zealand in the wake of an accounting scandal.

The SFO closed an inquiry last year saying no further action would be taken, but spokeswoman Andrea Linton confirmed today an open investigation was underway. Linton said there was no other comment at this stage.

Manging director of Fuji Xerox Peter Thomas said "Fuji Xerox takes the findings of the Independent Investigation Committee commissioned by FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, the parent of Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd very seriously and is co-operating fully with the SFO and will continue to do so throughout the course of its investigation"

Fuji Xerox New Zealand yesterday had its all-of-government printing contract suspended and its office supplies deal canned.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment general manager of government procurement John Ivil on Monday said the firm's print technology and associated services contract has been formally suspended, meaning Fuji Xerox won't be allowed to sign new customers on the all-of-government deal until it meets certain criteria that won't be made public, while the office supplies contract has been terminated.

"There are 93 agencies who are currently customers of FXNZ through the all-of-government contracts, who have been notified of this outcome," he said.

Fuji Xerox had accepted a voluntary suspension in July on those two contracts plus a third deal providing print devices and print device management services and was extended until October to allow for more talks between MBIE and the company.

In June, Japanese parent Fujifilm Holdings revealed $355 million of "inappropriate accounting" in operations in New Zealand and Australia between 2011 and 2016, according to a report by an independent investigation committee.

Thomas said MBIE gave the company clarity on what is required for the company to meet requirements for the suspension to be lifted.

"We remain committed to working with Government and to regaining and rebuilding trust with all of our stakeholders.

"We are taking this seriously and are committed to rebuilding our trust and long term relationship with Government."

Last week, Fuji Xerox appointed Thomas, former MBIE deputy chief executive of corporate services, as its new managing director, having hired him last year as chief operating officer.

MBIE said it won't comment further on the Fuji Xerox contracts.