Issue - meetings
Alpha Square - Bribery Allegations
Meeting: 25/01/2018 - Standards Advisory Committee (Item 3)
3 Alpha Square - Bribery Allegations PDF 80 KB
Minutes:
The Deputy Monitoring Officer introduced the report which concerned an allegation by a whistle-blower of bribery in connection with a planning application by the Far Eastern Consortium International for a proposed large building development at Alpha Square, Isle of Dogs.
The Committee was informed that the allegation had been referred to and considered by a Queen's Counsel (QC) experienced in addressing bribery and corruption cases. Having regard to advice offered by this QC, the Chief Executive reported the allegations to the Serious Fraud Office; the matter was then referred onward to the National Crime Agency(NCA). The NCA are still considering the matter and the Council was not in a position to pursue the matter further in order to avoid potential prejudice to any criminal investigation. The Mayor and Chief Executive wrote to the National Crime Agency in December 2017 seeking to establish a constructive dialogue and a response was currently awaited. The whistle-blower disclosed the allegations to the Sunday Times newspaper despite the continuing NCA investigation; however in the circumstances the Council is not able to pursue further action pending a decision by the National Crime Agency and the outcome of any police investigation.
Responding to Members’ questions the Committee was informed that
It had not been possible to inform elected members of the details of the allegation before the whistle-blower had gone to the press since:
· Michael Bowes QC had advised that no information should be disclosed to avoid the risk of potential prejudice to the criminal investigation.
· The National Crime Agency have been pressed for a response but is only likely to reach a decision when they have reviewed all potential evidential material.
· There were potential criminal consequences of failing to follow the professional advice given by the QC;
While officers were sympathetic to members’ view that ignorance of the facts of the matter had caused them to feel disadvantaged in the face of their constituents; it had not been possible to inform members of the matter because of the legal status of the matter and the advice given. Section 3 of the report, gave details that may be shared at this time in regard to chronology and actions taken.
RESOLVED
That the content of the report and discussion be noted.