Lawyers for Getax Australia say ‘unjustified and inexplicable delays’ from the prosecution mean evidence has been lost and essential witnesses have died
The Getax case is one of the largest and most controversial foreign bribery cases involving Australian businesses and Nauru, a tiny Pacific state inextricably linked to Australia through a colonial history, Australia’s “enduring” offshore processing regime on the island and a continuing dependence on Australian aid.
The indictment alleges that between May 2007 and December 2012, Govind Sahai, Ashok, and Amit Gupta conspired with each other – “and unknown others” – to bribe Nauruan politicians and office bearers “with the intention of influencing foreign public officials in the Republic of Nauru in the exercise of their officials duties”.
Lawyers acting for Getax argue the trial should be permanently stayed – essentially abandoning the prosecution – and that “the continuation of this criminal proceeding would amount to an abuse of the court’s processes”. “A fair trial is impossible because evidence has been lost and essential witnesses have died causing irredeemable prejudice to the defendant [Getax],” an affidavit filed to the district court states.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Qatar’s failed bid for more flights sees Queensland lose bigQueensland is set to be one of the biggest losers from Qatar Airways' failed bid for more flights. According to the Courier Mail, the Sunshine State could lose more than $100 million annually from its tourism economy. That is despite the airline being paid millions of dollars by the state government to ensure the airline keeps servicing Brisbane. Representatives from Brisbane Airport have held talks with the federal government to push the case for more flights.
Read more »
More decapitated crocodiles found in Queensland amid reports of body part black marketLocal Aboriginal land council says at least six crocodiles have been found shot dead in the past two months
Read more »
Queensland man extradited to NSW for allegedly disposing of dead body in Bunnings cabinetPolice say accused was called in ‘as a cleaner’ by another man who has been charged with drug dealer’s murder
Read more »
Catstrophic fire danger declared for parts of Queensland as Australia enters warm, dry springLarge swathes of eastern and central Australia are already on high alert this spring, after the country's warmest winter on record.
Read more »
Labor splits on Qantas as Queensland backs Virgin-QatarIf it were up to Queensland, the additional Qatar Airways flights into Australia, including Brisbane, “would be approved”, acting Premier Steven Miles said.
Read more »