A senior manager of a renewable energy technology company has been charged after allegedly attempting to bribe a Commonwealth public official.
Arrest at Sydney Airport
Guoxin Zhu, a 39-year-old Chinese national, was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Friday as he was about to board an overseas flight.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege that Zhu offered a Commonwealth public official $20,000 in cash hidden inside a bag of tea during a business meeting in Camp Hill, Brisbane, on July 9.
Alleged motive
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) said the alleged bribe was offered in an attempt to influence a product approval process for business gain. The female public official reported the incident, prompting an investigation that led to Zhu's arrest.
He has been charged with offering a secret commission to an agent.
Extradition and court appearance
Zhu appeared before NSW Bail Court on Saturday, where Queensland Police secured his extradition. He arrived in Queensland on Saturday night and was scheduled to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.
Acting National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Kylie Kilgour said the investigation highlighted the commission's role in protecting the integrity of Commonwealth public administration.
"In this case, the alleged corrupt conduct is an example of someone attempting to influence a Commonwealth public official's honest and impartial performance of their duties and functions. This is a form of corrupt conduct under the NACC Act," she said.
