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A Point Cook man was today convicted of attempting to bribe a public official, following an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) investigation.

Mr Simon Khouri was charged with bribery and attempted bribery of a public official after a 2013 IBAC investigation found he had attempted to bribe Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) employees in order to secure additional gravesites, over and above what is allowed under cemetery rules.

Mr Khouri pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to bribe a public official and was fined $10,000.

Allegations of mismanagement and misconduct at cemeteries in Victoria have been the subject of public concern, and various inquiries, over many years.

“The recorded conviction sends a clear message that corrupt conduct will not be tolerated in Victoria,” IBAC Commissioner Stephen O’Bryan QC said. 

“Bribery and other forms of corruption undermine people’s trust and respect in government services, and damage the reputation of the public sector.

IBAC is committed to exposing, investigating and preventing corruption to help ensure that the community can have confidence in our public sector.”

The laying of criminal charges and prosecution is just one possible outcome following an IBAC investigation.

With responsibility to help prevent public sector corruption and police misconduct, IBAC’s investigations aim to inform public sector organisations of potential risks and ways in which they can strengthen their own systems to prevent corruption.