Public servant arrested for $284,000 fraud

A former public servant's 'intricate methods' meant he was able to commit fraud for four years until early this year. File photo / NZ Herald

A former public servant has appeared in court charged with stealing almost $300,000 from the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC).

Ropati Telea, a former accounts administrator who worked in TAIC's Wellington office, was arrested and appeared in the Wellington District Court yesterday charged with fraud involving about $284,000 taken over a four-year period from the commission.

Telea was remanded on bail to reappear on August 10.

TAIC chief executive Lois Hutchinson said Telea's "intricate methods'' meant he was able to avoid the commission's checks for a four year period until early this year.

Suspicions were first raised when commission's fraud prevention checks uncovered suspect transactions early this year which led to a complaint being laid with police in April.

"The commission had since worked with forensic accountants, its bank, and the police to assemble evidence ahead of yesterday's arrest and court appearance,'' Ms Hutchinson said.

Further details about the alleged fraud would be revealed in court, she said.

Since the alleged fraud was uncovered the commission had made changes to the way it manages its budget.

The TAIC investigates 30-40 aviation, marine and rail incidents and accidents each year and has an annual budget of $3.9m and about 20 staff.

- NZPA